Transmission Lines

Electrical transmission towers and lines are a critical component of the U.S. electric power grid, allowing electricity to be delivered when and where it is needed. They move electricity from where it is generated to an electrical substation, which then distributes that energy to homes and businesses.

Transmission lines are generally characterized as high-voltage lines (usually over 100 kV) that extend over long distances from remote areas near energy generation facilities to where homes and businesses are located. These lines are supported by tall overhead transmission towers, while lower voltage electricity is eventually delivered to homes and businesses using shorter towers that support overhead lines, or via underground lines.

Transmission lines are part of the infrastructure that makes renewable energy accessible to consumers. The places where consumers live, work and play are typically not located in areas where the best renewable resources exist. Unfortunately, there are not enough existing transmission lines to get energy produced from renewable resources to locations, both within and outside of New Mexico, where it can be used. That’s why RETA’s role is so important in helping ensure New Mexico meets increasing energy demands – and renewable energy in particular – throughout the western states.

Learn more about electricity delivery and its environmental impacts here.

Learn more about how electricity is delivered to consumers here.

For a more technical description of how electricity is generated, read here.