AEP Factsheet Details the Anatomy of a Distribution System

Jul 31, 2012 1:20 PM ET

Have you ever wondered how the electricity gets to your house to turn on the lights or run appliances? The journey that electricity takes is a complex one, and if electricity isn't met with a healthy dose of respect, it can be dangerous. This factsheet details how electricity is distributed to your homes and businesses, the equipment on a power pole and how to stay safe.

AEP - American Electric Power
AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined.

AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas).