What Is the Electric Grid?
A robust and up-to-date infrastructure system is a necessary backbone of modern life.
The electric grid is what connects our homes and offices to power generation sources, so that we have reliable access to power all the time. The grid is most commonly designed as a centralized system, so that every customer who is on the grid is connected in some way to all the generation sources that are also connected to it.
The electric grid consists of three main types of assets: the transmission system, the distribution system and substations. Bahamas Grid Company manages all three.
Transmission System
Transmission lines carry power at high voltages across large distances. It’s what lets power generated on the west side of New Providence to efficiently reach homes on the east side of the island.
Distribution System
Distribution lines are smaller poles and wires that bring lower-voltage power to homes and businesses. ou may see a lot of these in your neighborhood. Sometimes, the distribution wires are buried underground, in which case the only thing you may see are ground-mounted utility boxes on street corners.
Substations
Substations are situated around the grid to serve important safety functions. They step down power before it enters neighborhoods and they are equipped to protect power quality from external disturbances.