After the power has reached its general destination along the high-voltage line, it is converted to a lower voltage at a transformer station. This is usually done by the Local Distribution Company (LDC), or Municipal Distribution Company (MUNI).  Each state and province has anywhere from one, to over fifty of these distribution companies that deal with delivering the power to the retail, commercial and industrial user.  They build, own and operate the local wires, and handle metering, billing and payment.  In most states and provinces, these organizations are regulated by the Public Utility Commissions (PUC).

If you keep an eye out in your neighbourhood, you’ll probably be able to spot the transformer yard (like the ones in these photos).
Transformer yards

	This is where the high voltage power lines meet the low voltage lines that eventually come into your home.  The high voltage wires are hooked up to a transformer (like in this photo), which converts the power to a lower voltage.
Transformer

	Then this medium voltage electricity is distributed through a municipal grid to each street (see photo of medium voltage power lines).
Medium voltage power line

	On each street (and sometimes at more than one location per street) the medium voltage electricity is stepped-down by a local transformer.  You should be able to find one of these on your street (unless you live is a very new sub-division where they are sometime placed underground – look for a green metal box).
Pole-mounted Transformer

	From this pole-mounted transformer, wires lead directly into your home breaker panel.
Domestic Breaker Panel

Now that we’ve traced the path that the electricity takes from the generating station all the way into your home, let’s take a look at the regulatory bodies that are responsible for ensuring continuous and reliable electricity flow.