Much of the basic hardware that generates‎,‎ transmits and distributes electricity has changed little over the past century‎.‎ However‎,‎ the techniques applied in the power system have advanced‎,‎ leading to greater transformer efficiency and more economic transmission and distribution‎.‎ As the demand for electricity in both the developed and developing world increases‎,‎ governments and electricity providers continue to look for alternative means of creating energy through renewable sources‎.‎ Today‎'‎s needs also include well‎-designed systems that are capable of producing large quantities of electricity in the safest‎,‎ most cost‎-effective way for the benefit of both individuals and industry‎.‎ This book provides an accessible introduction to the interesting world of alternating current ‎(‎AC‎)‎ power systems‎,‎ focusing on the system as a whole‎.‎ After laying out the basics for a steady‎-state analysis of three‎-phase power systems‎,‎ the book examines‎:‎* the generation‎,‎ transmission‎,‎ distribution‎,‎ and utilization of electric energy‎;‎* the principles of thermal‎,‎ nuclear and renewable energy plants‎;‎* power system control and operation‎;‎* the organization of electricity markets‎,‎ the changes currently taking place‎,‎ and the developments that could lead to alternative power systems in the future‎.‎ Inside‎,‎ you will find appendices that support the key text‎,‎ supplying information on the modeling of power system components and including basic equations derived from Maxwell‎'‎s laws‎.‎ Numerous practical examples‎,‎ case studies and illustrations‎,‎ demonstrate the theory‎,‎ techniques and results presented in the text‎,‎ and an accompanying solutions manual with problems and worked through answers is available on a supplementary website‎.‎ With its pragmatic approach‎,‎ Power System Essentials is ideal for senior undergraduate students in electrical engineering who require an up‎-to‎-date overview of the subject‎.‎ This book also acts as a concise reference‎,‎ suitable for postgraduates and professionals from a range of disciplines who would like to work in this field‎.‎