The journey of electricity

At Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), we own the electricity transmission and distribution networks and operate the electricity distribution network which transports electricity to over 820,000 customers.

Follow the journey electricity takes to get into your home.

Power Stations - Electricity is produced in power stations by burning fossil fuels such as oil or coal to produce heat. This heat is used to turn water into steam in a boiler. Steam travels along pipes to a turbine were it hits the blades to makes them spin. By spinning the turbine it drives the generator in the power station and electricity is produced. The major power stations in Northern Ireland are Ballylumford, Kilroot and Coolkeeragh.
Pylons - Electricity travels from the power station on overhead lines, which are kept above the ground by large metal structures, called pylons.
Substations - Electricity now moves into substations. Substations are like small factories that break down electricity into more useable voltages. Substations come in many different shapes and sizes. They can either be outdoors and surrounded by a brick wall, fence or a combination of both or can be indoors and enclosed with a brick building or metal. You have probably walked past one without realising.
Overhead Lines and Underground Cables - Once the voltage has been reduced from the various substations it will travel along overhead lines which are normally held up by wooden poles, or along underground cables which are buried deep in the ground. These lines and cables cross the length and breadth of Northern Ireland to carry electricity to where it is needed.
Mini-pillars - The last stage before electricity goes into your home is the mini-pillar which looks like a grey metal box. These are normally located at the end of the street and they are used whenever the network is mostly underground.
Your Home - Finally the electricity is ready to come into your home. This can be through an overhead line that you can see going to your house, or it can be through a cable under the ground that you won’t see.This cable will connect to your meter and from there electricity is distributed to all the plugs and switches in your house.