Structure of Distribution Networks

Access to electrical energy is an important factor in a country's economic development. Although the situation worldwide has improved over the years, there are still areas, particularly in Africa, where the population has no access to electricity. In other countries, the distribution of electrical energy is intermittent throughout the day or even the year.

Historically, electrical energy was produced locally close to the place of consumption. Over time, small producers have pooled their production by creating small networks to compensate, on the one hand, for the failure of a production tool and, on the other, to optimize the installed power of all the production machines located in a geographical area. It has also made it possible to supply other users who have no production facilities of their own. Over time, the network expanded to become the network it is today.

In France, the development of the electrical system has enabled the electrification of the entire country, with a level of quality that is generally adapted to users' needs.

According to Électricité de France (EDF) records, in 1918 only 58% of the population had access to electricity. By 1929, this figure had risen to 83%, reaching 90% in 1937. Electrification of France was completed in 1956.

The percentages shown above illustrate the gap between decisions to upgrade power grids and the actual implementation of these decisions in the field.