Introducing PSE

We are the only electricity transmission system operator in Poland. We manage the transmission network that feeds the distribution network, through which electricity reaches homes, businesses and institutions all over the country.

As a company that cares about the reliability of electricity supply to all regions of the country, we have a real impact on the development of Polish economy and businesses. We also ensure safe and economic operation of the National Power System as a part of the common European system.

Introducing PSE

PSE's role in the power sector

Key figures (as of the end of 2020)

Pracownicy w liczbach

2,627

PSE employees.

22.12%

women among the employees.

77.88%

men among the employees.

Dane finansowe

PLN 9,178 million

in net revenues from sales.

PLN 1,170 million

in net profit.

PLN 22,471 million

─ total assets.

PLN 2,23 million

in capital expenditures incurred for the community.

Infrastruktura w liczbach

15,318 km

of transmission lines (EHV).

109

extra-high voltage (EHV) substations.

8,177,683.50 m²

of surface area with the PSE network infrastructure in place.

What is essential to the proper functioning of economies and businesses of the modern world is electricity and a guarantee that it will be delivered in the amount needed – every day and every minute.

Continuity of electricity supply is the result of an efficiently operating power system which consists of units generating, processing, transmitting and distributing electricity. The operation of this entire system is managed by Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne.

GRI 103-1

How does the power system work?

The National Power System (NPS) is made of three subsystems responsible for specific tasks.

Electricity generation ─ the production of electricity by generation sources, which – in the power system – are power plants, combined heat and power plants and distributed sources.
Transmission of electricity ─ is carried out through the transmission network in order to deliver electricity to distribution networks or to consumers connected to the transmission network. Electricity transmission is carried out by the transmission system operator whose functions are performed by PSE.
Distribution of electricity ─ the supply of electricity through distribution networks to institutional and individual consumers connected to this network. Electricity is distributed by distribution system operators.

Generation

Transmission

Distribution

Electricity sources in the power system

The electricity supplied to our homes is generated mainly at power plants and combined heat and power plants. In Poland, the primary sources for electricity generation are thermal power plants in which electricity is obtained by burning coal – usually hard coal or lignite. Larger cities have combined heat and power (CHP) plants fired predominantly with coal, but also with natural gas. Energy generation using renewable energy sources ( RES )– wind, water, biomass and solar energy – is also growing.

The most important thermal power plants in Poland are: Bełchatów, Kozienice, Opole, Turów, Połaniec, Rybnik, Pątnów, Dolna Odra, Jaworzno, Łaziska and Łagisza.

The largest hydraulic power plants in Poland are: Żarnowiec, Porąbka-Żar, Solina, Żydowo, Niedzica, Dychów, Rożnów and Włocławek.

Electricity transmission

The transmission of electricity from a generating entity to different groups of consumers requires the operation of a complex structure comprising multiple power equipment and lines, called a power system. In this system, a distinction is made between the transmission network and the distribution networks.

THE PATH OF ELECTRICITY FROM GENERATOR TO
CONSUMER

THE PATH OF ELECTRICITY FROM GENERATOR TO CONSUMER

Electricity sources in the power system

The electricity supplied to our homes is generated mainly at power plants and combined heat and power plants. In Poland, the primary sources for electricity generation are thermal power plants in which electricity is obtained by burning coal – usually hard coal or lignite. Larger cities have combined heat and power (CHP) plants fired predominantly with coal, but also with natural gas. Energy generation using renewable energy sources (RES) – wind, water, biomass and solar energy – is also growing.

THE PATH OF ELECTRICITY FROM GENERATOR TO CONSUMER

Electricity transmission

The transmission of electricity from a generating entity to different groups of consumers requires the operation of a complex structure comprising multiple power equipment and lines, called a power system. In this system, a distinction is made between the transmission network and the distribution networks.
The transmission network, used to carry electricity over long distances, uses extra-high voltage lines. This stems from the fact that the higher the voltage, the lower the loss of electricity. The extra-high voltage (EHV) transmission network – in Poland operating under 750, 400 and 220 kV – covers the entire country. The network is owned by our company, PSE. The transmission network provides the capability to transmit electricity over significant distances, taking into account possible rapid changes in the direction and amount of electricity transmitted. It can be compared to highways carrying electricity to smaller "roads", i.e. medium voltage distribution networks, from where it flows to our homes through low voltage lines. Voltage is changed using substations equipped with transformers and autotransformers.
The transmission network is used to supply electricity to distribution system operators and large industrial consumers.

THE PATH OF ELECTRICITY FROM GENERATOR TO CONSUMER

Distribution of electricity

Distribution networks are regional, and consist of high-voltage (110 kV), medium-voltage (6–30 kV) and low-voltage (230 and 400 V) lines as well as substations to supply electricity to consumers.
In order for the electricity to be supplied in the right amount and to meet the specified parameters, the voltage level is first changed at substations using transformers.
Distribution networks are managed by distribution system operators. The medium-voltage distribution network is used to supply electricity to business and industrial consumers, and most importantly, to end users making use of low-voltage lines.

The national transmission network is supplied with AC voltage at 50 Hz. In comparison, in the USA, voltage at 60 Hz is used.
In Poland, the following voltage standards are most commonly used to transmit electricity:

220, 400 kV (the so-called extra high voltage levels) – for long-distance transmission,

110 kV (the so-called high voltage) – for transmission over distances not exceeding several dozen kilometers,

6, 10, 15, 20 lub 30 kV (the so-called medium voltage) – in local distribution networks,

400/230 V (the so-called low voltage) – to supply power to end users.
The extra high voltage levels most commonly used in Europe are: 220–275, 300–330 and 500 kV.