Final answer:
Transformers at power plants increase the voltage for efficient long-distance transmission, reducing energy loss and ensuring grid efficiency. Step-up transformers are used for increasing voltage before transmission, and step-down transformers for lowering it at the consumption point.
Step-by-step explanation:
Power plants use transformers to connect to the electrical grid primarily to increase the voltage for efficient transmission (b). By increasing the voltage, power plants effectively reduce energy loss during transmission. This is because transmitting power at high voltage allows for a lower current, which in turn minimizes resistive losses in the power lines. Thus, power is distributed over large distances at high voltage to ensure efficiency and stability of the electrical grid.
The process involves step-up transformers that raise the voltage to several hundreds of kilovolts at the power plant before transmission. At the point of use, step-down transformers are employed to decrease this high voltage to the levels suitable for residential and commercial applications. The effective use of transformers in the transmission and distribution of electricity is essential for maintaining the reliable operation of the electric power industry.