The Importance of Electrical Infrastructure

Until the 1960s the electric system was a largely disconnected network of isolated generators. Today utilities link their generating plants to provide power to a wide range of customers. Increasingly this type of network has become a valuable resource for the economy and reliability of the electric system. The interregional "grid" replaced the isolated generators. Throughout history electrical infrastructure has been vital to the growth and development of civilization.

Transmission network

Managing the reliability of the transmission network of the electrical infrastructure is an ongoing challenge. As millions of consumers turn on and off appliances and industrial equipment the demand for electricity fluctuates constantly. To address this problem 140 balancing authorities work to balance the supply and demand of electricity. They must maintain voltages within a specific range to prevent system collapse. Variations in voltage and frequency can cause equipment damage or even collapse. Therefore balancing authorities play an important role in the reliability of the bulk electric system.

Substations

There are different types of transmission substations ranging from simple "switching stations" with only a few circuit breakers to large facilities that cover a large area. Transmission substations can include several voltage levels and an extensive array of protection and control equipment. Modern transmission substations may be built using IEC Standards 61850. Read on to learn more about these important pieces of infrastructure. Described below are the different types of transmission substations and their functions.

Transmission lines

In the field of electrical infrastructure transmission lines refer to a single or multiphase cable that carries electric power. These cables are typically higher in voltage ranging from 69,000 volts to more than 40,000 volts. Distribution lines on the other hand carry lower voltages to consumers including homes and businesses. The voltage and current of electricity carried by transmission lines determine the type of tower and conducting wires used as well as the visibility of the entire system.

Bulk-power transmission network

The term bulk-power system refers to the facilities and control systems for the operation of an interconnected electric-energy transmission network. It includes electric energy from generation facilities that are needed to maintain transmission reliability. It does not include local distribution. A bulk-power transmission network must balance supply and demand and it must be monitored around the clock to ensure system reliability. This type of network is an essential component of an integrated electric energy transmission network.

Energy storage methods

As renewable energy sources become more prevalent energy storage on a large scale has become a hot topic. While pumped storage is an established technology other megawatt-scale technologies are under development. These technologies are intended to provide dispatchable capacity as demand dictates. In order for storage to be an effective complement to renewable energy sources it must be able to meet the demand for several days. Batteries are increasingly marketed as an effective way to store excess solar power during the day helping to reduce peak demand in the evenings.

Signs that you need to call the electricity supplier rather than an emergency electrician

If
1.  All of your switches are up and not tripped in the Fusebox or consumer unit.

2.  Check your meter as well that it's topped up,

3.  Then, you will need to call an electricity supplier rather than an emergency electrician. Here is a comprehensive list of electricity suppliers and their contact details that we have prepared for you 
British Gas, E.ON, EDF Energy, npower, Scottish Power, SSE, SSE Southern Electric, Bulb

Please dial 105 for nationwide electricity supplies UK power network and press 2 for power cuts. If they suggest that you need an emergency electrician, then give us a call or chat with the support team. An emergency electrician will be arranged within 30 minutes. If you are in an area that is not covered, search online for an emergency electrician near me, and you will be able to find someone very close to you.