What term describes the systems that originate in distribution substations and distribute electricity to customers?

The term that describes the systems originating in distribution substations and responsible for distributing electricity to customers is "Distribution Circuits." These circuits play a crucial role in the electricity supply chain, carrying electric power from substations directly to residential, commercial, and industrial users.

Distribution circuits are designed to handle lower voltage levels compared to transmission lines, which transport electricity over long distances. Once electricity reaches the distribution substations, it's stepped down to a suitable voltage for local delivery. These circuits are the final stage in the delivery process, ensuring that power is accessible at the needed voltage and capacity.

In contrast, transmission lines serve a different function by transporting electricity over long distances from power plants to distribution substations. Load centers typically refer to areas within a distribution network where large amounts of power are consumed, and service drops specifically refer to the final connections that deliver electricity from distribution circuits directly to buildings or homes. Thus, understanding the definition and function of distribution circuits is essential for grasping how electricity is efficiently delivered to consumers.