Electric power transmission is the process of transferring electrical energy from a generating source to consumption points over long distances. Efficient transmission requires manipulating voltage levels, as power loss due to electrical resistance increases with the square of the current. To minimize these losses and maximize transfer capability, the voltage is typically stepped up using transformers at the generation site. The power is then carried across conductors, often at elevated levels, before being stepped down through intermediate substations nearer to population centers. The integrity and efficiency of the system rely on high-conductivity materials and the careful management of alternating current (AC) flow to deliver reliable, usable energy to end-users.