Making Electricity

All electricity, except for solar power, is produced by turning a generator quickly enough to produce power. The main variation between power sources is the method used to turn the generator.

Loy Yang Power uses steam to make electricity. In simple terms, coal is burnt to boil water and produce high pressure jets of steam. This high pressure steam is used to turn fan (or turbine) blades which are connected to a generator. The turning generator produces the electricity which is distributed by powerlines across Victoria.

Transmission and Distribution

Electricity is produced in Loy Yang Power's generators at between 21,000 -24,000 volts. It then passes through a transformer to increase the voltage to 500,000 volts and passes into the adjacent switchyard.

From the switchyard, Loy Yang Power electricity is supplied directly into high voltage transmission lines for transmission throughout Victoria and interstate.

At its destination the voltage is progressively reduced by substations and transformers to a level where the electricity can be used to power homes and industry. In Australia this is typically 240 Volts A/C at 50 Hz for domestic applications and 415 Volts at 50 Hz for industrial applications.

Regional electricity distribution companies are responsible for the electricity network which supplies cities and communities across Australia.