Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
Ever stood close to (well, not TOO close, though :-)) to a high voltage power line, and heard the 60-cycle hum? That's power being lost. Changing currents (and AC is always changing, by definition) generate electromagnetic radiation, which is energy lost over & above the resistance of the conductor.
But it is significantly MORE efficient to boost voltage to 1000 kV and send 1000 miles or so as DC, than as A/C.
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It's not necessary to move power that distance. Yes, AC has losses, but 5% is not that much. DC requires heavier cables, and that means buried lines which is significantly more costly. And again, boosting that voltage is not cheap or particularly efficient compared to AC.