The electricity delivered to your home is typically generated in large centralized power plants (see the figure below). Power travels long distances via high-voltage transmission lines, which are interconnected in a network or grid.

From the transmission system, electricity travels to distribution substations. From these substations, distribution lines, operating at lower voltage levels, disperse the power throughout cities and neighborhoods. For safety, each distribution line is protected by a circuit breaker in the substation.

The electricity then travels from the distribution line through a service transformer near your home. Electricity enters the home through either overhead or underground wires which connect to the meter. CenterPoint Energy reads this meter each month and reports the information to your retail energy provider. Typically, ownership and responsibility of the wires are transferred from CenterPoint Energy to the customer near the meter (referred to as the point of service).

From the point of service, power flows along conductors to the main panel which contains the main breaker. The main breaker provides protection for the entire facility. In homes, the main panel may also contain additional circuit breakers which provide protection for each individual branch circuit. These branch circuits deliver power for lights, appliances and electric outlets within the residence.

In the figure, you can see the long and complex path electricity takes from the centralized generating plant all the way to an appliance. Unfortunately, due to the length of this path, many events can happen which interrupt the flow of power or degrade its quality as it travels to its destination.