Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors
The local networks that bring power to homes and businesses, and the links that join grids.
Transport · Electricity · No. 52
- Transport
- Form: Electricity
About 750 million people still have no electricity, and about 80% of them live in sub-Saharan Africa.
Chart: Illustration: Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors
Where it comes from
Chart: Map of where it comes from
Substations lower transmission voltage to medium levels, such as the 20 kV used across much of France. Feeders carry it through streets, and transformers step it down for homes.
Three things to know
- India's distributors cut technical and commercial losses from 22.62% in FY2013-14 to 15.04% in FY2024-25, and posted an aggregate profit.
- Leading African mini-grid developers kept power on 99% of the time in 2021, up from 90-97% in 2018.
- US power lines electrocute an estimated 0.9 to 11.6 million birds a year that perch between live parts on poles.
The journey
- 1 SubstationLowers transmission voltage to about 20 kV
- 2 FeedersMedium-voltage lines through towns and fields
- 3 Street transformerDrops voltage again for homes
- 4 MeterSmart or prepaid, records use
- 5 Or mini-gridLocal solar, batteries and diesel backup