Learn about PSE

Electricity reaches homes, businesses and institutions through the distribution network fed from the transmission network we manage. We are the only electricity transmission system operator within the territory of Poland. We care about the reliability of electricity supply to all regions of the country.

We play a key role in the development of the Polish economy. We also ensure the secure and cost-effective operation of the Polish power system as part of the common European system.

Learn about PSE

PSE’s role in the power sector

We live in an era of electricity. Today, it is hard to imagine our daily routines without electricity, as electric energy drives powers not only innumerable pieces of equipment but also all areas of our lives.

Continuity of electricity supply is a result of an efficiently operating power system which comprises energy generating, converting, transmitting and distributing systems. The operation of the system is managed by Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne, the Polish transmission system operator that also takes care of providing us with reliable electricity supply.

GRI 103-1

How does the power system work?

The Polish Power System (PPS) consists of three subsystems responsible for specific functions.

Electricity generation ─ electric energy production by generating sources in the power system – power plants, CHP plants and distributed sources.
Electricity transmission ─ performed over the transmission network in order to deliver electric energy to distribution networks or transmission-connected consumers. Electricity transmission is performed by the transmission system operator whose functions are performed by PSE.
Electricity distribution ─ delivery of electric energy over distribution networks to institutional and individual distribution-connected consumers. Electricity distribution is performed by distribution system operators.

Generation

Transmission

Distribution

Energy sources in the power system

Electricity supplied to our homes is generated mainly in power plants and combined heat and power (CHP) plants. In Poland, the basic energy generating sources are thermal power plants in which energy is generated as a result of coal combustion – usually by burning hard coal or lignite. The largest clusters of CHP plants are situated in the southern part of the country. In cities, CHP plants operate which are mostly fired with coal, but also with natural gas. Generation of energy from renewable sources (RES) – wind, water, biomass and sun – is also being developed.

The key thermal plants in Poland include: Bełchatów, Kozienice, Opole, Turów, Połaniec, Rybnik, Pątnów, Dolna Odra, Jaworzno, Łaziska and Łagisza.

The largest hydroelectric power plants are the Żarnowiec, Porąbka-Żar, Solina, Żydowo, Niedzica, Dychów, Rożnów and Włocławek plants.

Electricity transmission

Electricity transmission from the generator to various consumer groups requires the operation of a complex structure composed of many electric power facilities and lines, knows as the power system. The system consists of the transmission network and distribution networks.

The path of electricity from generator
to consumer

The path of electricity from generator to consumer

Energy sources in the power system

Electricity supplied to our homes is generated mainly in power plants and combined heat and power (CHP) plants. In Poland, the basic energy generating sources are thermal power plants in which energy is generated as a result of coal combustion – usually by burning hard coal or lignite. The largest clusters of CHP plants are situated in the southern part of the country. In cities, CHP plants operate which are mostly fired with coal, but also with natural gas. Generation of energy from renewable sources (RES) – wind, water, biomass and sun – is also being developed.

The path of electricity from generator to consumer

Electricity transmission

Electricity transmission from the generator to various consumer groups requires the operation of a complex structure composed of many electric power facilities and lines, knows as the power system. The system consists of the transmission network and distribution networks.

The extra-high voltage (EHV) transmission network – 750 and 220 kV in Poland – covers the territory of the whole country. The owner of the network is our company, PSE. The transmission network provides the capability to transmit electricity over long distances, including the ability to quickly change the directions and volumes of transmitted electricity.

The transmission network supplies electricity to distribution systems and to large industrial consumers.

The path of electricity from generator to consumer

Distribution of electricity

Distribution networks are of a regional nature and they comprise high (110 kV), medium (6-30 kV) and low (230 and 400 V) voltage lines and electrical substations for electricity supply to consumers.

In order to ensure that electricity is supplied in a sufficient quantity and meets specific parameters, the voltage level is first changed at electrical substations with the use of transformers.

The administrators of distribution networks are distribution system operators. The medium voltage distribution network supplies electricity to business and industrial consumers, and first of all to final consumers using low voltage lines.

The national transmission network is fed with 50 Hz AC voltage. By comparison, in the United States
60 Hz voltage is used.
The following voltage standards are usually used in Poland for electricity transmission:

220, 400 kV (extra-high voltages) for long-distance transmission

110 kV (high voltage) for transmission over distances not exceeding several dozen kilometres

6, 10, 15, 20 or 30 kV (medium voltage) in local distribution networks

400/230 V (low voltage) used to supply power to final consumers
The extra-high voltages most commonly used in Europe are: 220-275, 300-330 and 500 kV.