Where Does the Electricity to Power Internet in Los Angeles Come From?

Have you ever wondered where the electricity in your home comes from? The answer is more complex than you might think. Continue reading and get to know who supplies the power that runs the internet in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) supplies the electricity used in the city on a daily basis. It’s a large utility, employing almost ten thousand people. When it comes to the means via which the electricity in California is produced, almost 43% of power is generated from the natural gas. Still, California is a leader in renewable energy production and is planning to get more than 50% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030.

The LADWP uses many sources such as hydro plants, natural gas and biogas stations, solar, wind and geothermal plants, hydroelectric dams and nuclear power stations. Some of them are located in California and some outside. It means that the electricity in your house may come from another state.

The electricity coming from those power sources reaches LA thanks to a complex transmission and distribution infrastructure using over 15 000 miles of power lines and cables.

How does the power get to your home? First, it is transmitted to a power plant to convert low voltage into high voltage. Then the electricity is sent to transmission circuits that actually transport energy to the local substations. There are two types of transmission circuits: overhead and underground. The first ones transmit electricity over long distances. They’re supported by big steel towers you’re probably familiar with. The underground circuits are used in high-density areas such as cities.

After reaching the destination area, the power has to pass through another substation that removes voltage and makes it safe for distribution. Afterwards, it enters the local distribution network. The electricity is delivered to the transformers in your immediate area and then sent directly to the meter box in your house. As you can see, it’s quite the journey!