Electric Supply - From Generator to Light Bulb

In the past we have discussed generating energy from wind, sun, water and even garbage , green slime and potatoes. But how does that energy travel into your house and light up a room?

IDT Energy supply is delivered through utility power lines

It's something that could come up in a rowdy game of "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader" but perhaps not something you have pondered on a daily basis as you flip the light switch and turn on the TV remote.  Energy is harnessed from things like moving water and burning fossil fuels; which turn turbines and unbalance the charges in an atom (simple, right?). But then it must travel, sometimes hundreds of miles in order to be ready for you to utilize that electricity.

Electricity is made when electrons move between atoms. Transmitting wires are made of conductive materials like copper and insulators (like glass or rubber).  Conductive materials allow the transfer of electrons, while insulating material does not allow the electrons to move around.

Electric current is created when electrons move through the conductor.  Electrons need a circuit to move though and cannot move freely through the air. So electricity can flow from the power plant, through the wire, and into your home.  That light switch that magically provides light - a simple switch on the circuit that blocks the electric current from flowing to the light bulb.

Of course this is a simplified version. There are lots of little steps in between - like deciding where your electric supply comes from and making sure a current is always available for you to flip the switch.  Having a company like IDT Energy, doesn't determine the reliability of your supply - but it sure does help the pocketbook when it comes time to pay the bill!