GRADUATE RECRUITMENT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE FOR YOUR

ASSESSMENT CENTRE
THE SUBSTATION:

PROJECT 9-53

During your Assessment Centre you will find it useful to understand

something in general terms out the nature of the work which UK
Power Networks is engaged in, where it operates geographically,
how it relates to energy supply companies, and so on.
You may also find it useful to understand, in broad terms, the nature
of the electricity distribution network in the United Kingdom. Briefly,
bulk electricity (e.g. from large generators and power stations) is
moved across the UK at very high voltage electrical pressure
because this reduces losses in transport. Voltages used are usually
400,000V and 275,000V. Most people are familiar with the overhead
wiring and large steel pylons that support much of this
infrastructure. These networks are managed by the National Grid
Company. Such high voltages are potentially very dangerous, and
quite unsuitable for practical use by end-users.
Distribution is the electricity provision to final customers through a
lower-voltage network: from 132,000V down to the 230V used in the
home and most offices. This is typical of the network managed by
UK Power Networks in its various geographical areas. A strategically
sited substation is required to make the voltage transformation from
very high to lower voltages used in local networks. These can vary
in size and complexity but a typical example is pictured below.
132,000-volt (132kV)
Substation:
Grid-level voltage is transformed for
local distribution to adjacent users
and population centres.

Finally, you may like to familiarise yourself with issues faced by rural
communities facing significant urbanisation (e.g. the development
of new towns to meet the Governments aims to address housing
shortages).

Some limited but meaningful research around these various topics

might prove useful once you reach your Assessment Centre.