From Telegraph Poles to Steel Structures: Evolution of the Grid

Nov. 19, 2014
From telegraph poles to steel structures, the electric utility industry continues to evolve in form and function.

The grid is a complex network of transmission paths and distribution circuits. The majority of these electrical pathways are overhead construction comprising myriad poles, towers and structures made of every imaginable material. Wood and steel make up the bulk of these structures, but there is much more to the story.

T&D World's technical writer, Gene Wolf, takes you from the origins of the grid to the new technologies being used to carry electricity across miles today.

The early days of the electric industry was shaped by imagination, vision and a lot of hard work. Edison said, “Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.”

That spirit drove every step of the way as the industry moved from small isolated operations to networks and grids interconnected. All along the way, the focus stayed on bettering what there was and developing the technology that allowed transmission lines to go from a shaky idea on a telegraph pole to the 1100-kV behemoth structures stretching across China, carrying gigawatts to load centers thousands of miles from the generation source.

Note: Images originally appeard in T&D World's November 2014 Structures supplement. For the in-depth article, see "The Grid Takes Shape."

About the Author

Gene Wolf

Gene Wolf has been designing and building substations and other high technology facilities for over 32 years. He received his BSEE from Wichita State University. He received his MSEE from New Mexico State University. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of California and New Mexico. He started his career as a substation engineer for Kansas Gas and Electric, retired as the Principal Engineer of Stations for Public Service Company of New Mexico recently, and founded Lone Wolf Engineering, LLC an engineering consulting company.  

Gene is widely recognized as a technical leader in the electric power industry. Gene is a fellow of the IEEE. He is the former Chairman of the IEEE PES T&D Committee. He has held the position of the Chairman of the HVDC & FACTS Subcommittee and membership in many T&D working groups. Gene is also active in renewable energy. He sponsored the formation of the “Integration of Renewable Energy into the Transmission & Distribution Grids” subcommittee and the “Intelligent Grid Transmission and Distribution” subcommittee within the Transmission and Distribution committee.

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