What is transmission loss?

Transmission loss refers to the energy that is lost as heat due to electrical resistance when electricity is transmitted over long distances through conductors, such as power lines. As electrical energy flows through these conductors, some of the energy is inevitably dissipated as thermal energy due to the inherent resistance of the materials used in the transmission lines. This phenomenon is a critical consideration in the design and operation of electrical grids, as it affects overall efficiency and reliability.

Option B accurately captures this concept because it focuses specifically on the losses incurred during the transmission process, emphasizing the role of resistance in transforming electrical energy into heat. Understanding transmission loss is essential for engineers and utility managers who aim to optimize the performance of the electrical grid and minimize these losses to improve efficiency.

The context of the other choices highlights why they do not define transmission loss: the power consumed by transformers in a substation pertains to losses within the transformers themselves rather than losses occurring during transmission. Power used by end consumers refers to the final usage of electricity and does not relate to losses in the transmission process. The amount of electricity generated but not utilized addresses the concept of generation efficiency and demand on the system, again not directly connected to the mechanics of transmission loss.