Why is voltage increased for electricity transmission over long distances?

Increasing voltage during electricity transmission over long distances is essential primarily to reduce the amount of electricity loss. When electricity travels through transmission lines, some energy is lost as heat due to the resistance of the conductors. This loss can be quantified according to the formula for power loss, which states that power loss is proportional to the square of the current (I²R, where R is resistance).

By increasing the voltage, the current that flows through the transmission line can be reduced for the same amount of power transmitted (since Power = Voltage x Current). Lower current results in significantly reduced power loss due to resistance, making the transmission process more efficient. Consequently, higher voltage levels in transmission lines minimize energy losses over vast distances, ensuring that more of the generated electricity reaches its destination effectively.

This method proves to be economically beneficial as well because it enhances the overall efficiency of the power grid, allowing for long-distance power transmission without excessively increasing costs associated with resistive losses.