How Does the Electric System Work?

New York’s electric grid consists of high-voltage transmission lines and low-voltage distribution lines that transport electricity from power generation plants to areas that need electricity throughout the state. 

• New York electricity generators include both regulated electric utilities and independent power producers with diverse energy sources of generation. 
• Natural gas, nuclear power, and hydroelectricity typically provide nine-tenths of net electricity generation, with wind, biomass, coal, and petroleum making up the balance.
• Near generation facilities, power enters a "step-up" substation that increases the voltage.
• High-voltage transmission lines carry the power over long distances to various parts of the state.
• The high-voltage lines enter a "step-down" substation, where they are transformed into a lower-voltage for transmission within the region. 
• Many large industrial and commercial customers receive service directly from the lower voltage transmission lines.
• For distribution to smaller residential and commercial areas, the lines enter another step-down substation.
• Distribution lines carry the power through towns and neighborhoods. Small transformers on the poles reduce the electricity to 120-240 volts for each home's use. 

Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E)

Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) was established in 1848. RG&E operates approximately 8,900 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 385,900 electricity customers and 319,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. 

For more information, visit rge.com and avangrid.com