What type of voltages are more effective for transmitting electricity over long distances?

Higher voltages are more effective for transmitting electricity over long distances primarily due to their ability to minimize energy losses in the form of heat. When electricity travels through transmission lines, resistance in the conductors converts some of the electrical energy into heat. The amount of power loss due to resistance is proportional to the square of the current (I²R losses).

By using higher voltages, the current in the transmission lines can be reduced for the same amount of power being transmitted (since Power = Voltage x Current). For instance, doubling the transmission voltage can halve the current, which significantly reduces the heat lost in the conductors.

Furthermore, higher voltages enable the use of thinner wires, which reduces material costs and makes infrastructure less cumbersome. This effectiveness is why long-distance high-voltage transmission lines are often used, facilitating efficient transport of electricity from power plants to consumers.