THE JOURNEY OF ELECTRICITY: FROM GENERATION TO YOUR HOME

1. Generation at Power Plants

Electricity begins its journey at power plants, where energy is generated using various sources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, or solar power. The generated electricity is in the form of alternating current (AC) and is typically produced at voltages ranging from 11 to 25 kilovolts (kV).

2. Step-Up Transformers

To efficiently transmit electricity over long distances, the voltage is increased using step-up transformers. These devices elevate the voltage to levels between 110 kV and 765 kV, reducing energy loss during transmission.

Image: High-voltage transmission lines supported by steel towers.

3. High-Voltage Transmission Lines

The high-voltage electricity travels through transmission lines, which are the large towers and cables you often see stretching across the countryside. These lines carry electricity over vast distances from power plants to substations.

Image: High-voltage transmission towers spanning across a landscape.

4. Substations and Step-Down Transformers

Upon reaching a substation near your area, the electricity undergoes voltage reduction via step-down transformers, bringing it down to medium voltage levels (typically between 2.4 kV and 33 kV) suitable for local distribution.

Image: Electrical substation with transformers and switchgear.

5. Distribution Lines

From the substation, electricity is distributed through medium-voltage distribution lines. These lines can be overhead or underground and carry electricity to neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Image: Medium-voltage distribution lines running through a residential area.

6. Pole-Mounted Transformers

Near your home, pole-mounted or pad-mounted transformers further reduce the voltage to the standard 120/240 volts used in household outlets. These transformers are the cylindrical devices often seen on utility poles or in green boxes on lawns.

Image: Pole-mounted transformer on a utility pole.

7. Service Drop to Your Home

Finally, the electricity travels from the transformer to your home via a service drop, which can be an overhead line or underground cable. It enters your home through the electric meter, which records your electricity usage, and then flows into your home’s electrical panel to be distributed to outlets and appliances.

Image: Service drop connecting to a residential home.

Each step in this chain is necessary, but here’s what many people don’t realize: every wire carries electricity emits electromagnetic fields (EMFs)—a form of invisible energy. Which is NEEDED and what powers our daily life, but it’s important to understand it so that we can be aware and avoid exposure in our homes where we will spend most of our time.

Magnetic vs. Electric Fields: What You’re Really Exposed To

When we talk about “EMFs” here, we’re referring to the low-frequency fields from power lines and appliances (Electric and Magnetic Fields) —not to be confused with the higher-frequency radiation from Wi-Fi or cell towers (Radio Frequencies).

• Electric fields come from voltage—meaning, they’re present even when something is plugged in but not turned on.
• Magnetic fields are produced when current flows—so when electricity is actually moving through the wires.

Magnetic fields and electric fields can travel through walls and materials, however, Magnetic Field in particular are harder to shield against so distancing yourself from them is paramount. The strength of these fields decreases with distance—but if you’re close enough to a high-voltage line, they can still be significant.

How Close is Too Close? Safe Distances from Power Lines

There is no universal regulation for a “safe” distance, but building biologists and EMF-aware professionals recommend a cautious approach:

• For high-voltage transmission lines (115–500 kV): Aim for a minimum of 1,000 feet (about 1/5 of a mile). Magnetic field strength varies by line load, but being this far away often keeps levels below 1 milligauss (the benchmark for safe sleeping spaces and the Building Biology NO CONCERN level is .2 mG).
• For medium-voltage distribution lines: Try to stay at least 100–200 feet away, but again, many factors can result in higher magnetic field levels. Especially if the distribution lines have some sort of wiring error.

To be sure, it’s best to measure with a gaussmeter or hire an EMF consultant during your home search. A general rule? Look for levels under .2 milligauss in sleeping areas, as outlined in our Awakened Home Search guide.

What’s are the risk factors of Magnetic Field?

We’ve created a larger article outlining the studies and research regarding Magnetic Field. You can access that HERE.

There is an 570% increased risk for leukemia in children under 6 years old at magnetic field levels starting at 1.64 mG. Additional studies have been done for varying degrees of cancer, miscarriage, and other complications ranging from 1 mG to 16 mg.

Our Home Search Tips:

Here’s how to integrate this into your next property search:

• Assess Proximity to Power Infrastructure: When house hunting, note the distance to nearby power lines and substations. Greater distance generally means lower EMF exposure.
• Use EMF Meters: Consider using an EMF meter to measure the electromagnetic fields in and around a potential home. This can provide concrete data on exposure levels.
• Consult Professionals: Engage with building biologists or EMF consultants who can assess and provide recommendations for reducing EMF exposure in your home.
• Design Considerations: If building a new home, work with architects and builders to design with EMF reduction in mind, such as strategic placement of bedrooms away from the main electrical panel or external power lines.

Conclusion

If you’re navigating a home search and feeling overwhelmed by all the unseen risks—know that you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Grab our Healthy Home Search Guide if you’re looking for a new home and want to determine what red flags to look out for (this guide is donation based).

For more information on creating a healthy home environment, or to which offerings are a good fit, we offer a free 15 minute clarity call. Schedule a clarity call here or come say hello on Instagram @awakeningspaces. We are dedicated to helping you build a home that supports your health and well-being.