Also referred to as distribution. The transport and delivery of electricity to retail customers through low voltage lines (less than 34.5 kilovolts (kV)). This is the final step in the electricity delivery system. By contrast, the transport of electricity through high voltage lines (at least 115 (kV) from a generating station to a substation, typically over long distances, is known as transmission.

Electricity distribution is regulated under state law while transmission is generally subject to federal regulation.

For more information on electricity distribution, see Practice Notes, Solar Energy Project Development Issues: Preliminary Considerations and Wind Energy Project Development Issues: Preliminary Considerations.