The electricity value chain integrates the production, transmission, distribution, supply and consumption of electricity.

Electricity can be generated using different technologies, from renewable to thermal sources. The energy produced is injected in real time into the transmission network (high or extra-high voltage) or the distribution network (medium and low voltage) in real time, depending on the grid connection, and delivered to the points of consumption.

The electricity supply activity is the last stage in the electricity supply chain and the one directly related to consumers.

Consumers are free to choose their supplier and to switch whenever they find offers more suitable to their type of consumption. Suppliers of last resort (SLR) exist to guarantee the supply of electricity to economically vulnerable customers, whose market supplier has been prevented from operating or in areas or market segments where there are no supply offers on the free market.

To find out more about this, have a look at the pedagogical guide Electricity: how does it work?