Water runs through the boiler in a series of pipes. As the water heats, it turns to steam under intense pressure. This pressurized steam spins a series of giant fan-like blades in the turbine. Spinning at speeds approaching 3,600 RPM, or 1,000 MPH, these blades in turn spin a rotor. The rotor turns inside a cylinder of copper wires that constantly cut through its magnetic fields.
Magnets spinning inside a coil of wire create the electrical current.
Once produced, the electricity travels from the power stations through a series of transmission substations to homes, schools, businesses and industries. Because electricity cannot be stored, this whole process takes place in a split second.