- Historically, electricity infrastructure was planned, owned and managed by a single ‘utility’ ie SECV)
- Electricity networks today are generally comprised of private companies who manage:
- generation
- transmission
- distribution
- retailing
- ancillary services
Physical grid components
| Component | Description |
| Generators | coal, gas, solar, wind etc power generators |
| Transformers | convert electricity from the generators into a high voltage form that can be distributed |
| High voltage transmission lines | strings of lines on steel lattice towers that cover large distances |
| Substations | convert high voltage to lower voltage for distribution in local areas |
| Distribution network | ‘capillary’ network of poles and wires that actually connects to end users |
| Meters | measure how much electricity is being used (or generated, in the case of distributed generation sources like roof top solar) |
