Electricity that is not used by appliances or machines doesn't simply vanish; it follows the principles of energy conservation. The fate of unused electricity depends on the type of electrical system and the stage of power distribution. Here's what typically happens:
Transmission and Distribution Losses: During the transmission and distribution of electricity from power plants to end-users, some energy is lost as heat due to the resistance in the power lines. These losses are inevitable and occur as the electricity travels through the grid.
Electricity Losses within Homes/Buildings: Once electricity reaches homes or buildings, there can be small losses within the electrical wiring and connections due to resistance, but these are generally minimal.
Electricity Generation Management: Power plants constantly adjust their electricity generation to match the demand. They use complex systems to regulate the output, ensuring that they produce as close to the required amount as possible. If there's an excess of electricity generated, the plant may reduce its production to avoid wastage.
Power Grid Regulation: Grid operators continuously monitor the electricity flow and make real-time adjustments to balance the supply and demand. If there's excess electricity in the grid, they may redirect it to areas with higher demand or store it in energy storage systems (like batteries) if available.
Energy Storage: In some cases, if there is surplus electricity and no immediate demand, it can be stored in energy storage systems. These storage systems can include batteries, pumped hydro storage, compressed air energy storage, or other emerging technologies designed to hold electricity for later use.
Dissipation: If no other methods are available to store or redirect the excess electricity, some power plants may simply "dissipate" the surplus energy as heat, using resistors or other techniques. However, this is typically avoided due to its inefficiency and costliness.
Overall, the goal of power grid operators and energy management systems is to maintain a delicate balance between electricity supply and demand to minimize wastage and ensure a stable and reliable power supply. The increasing use of renewable energy sources and advanced energy storage technologies is helping to make the grid more efficient and reduce energy losses.