-> (1) Why do mains transmission lines ("power lines") transmit
-> alternating current more efficiently (with much less loss)
->   than direct current?  [which is one of the two reasons why
->   we use A.C. for mains power..]
  I hate to be the troublemaker sitting in the back of the room, but in 
theory shouldn't a DC transmission line operating at the same voltage as an 
AC line have the same efficiency? Yeah, yeah, I know that plugging my 117vac 
TV set into a 250,000vac line would be nothing but trouble. But I'm talking 
about theory. I wholeheartedly endorse stepdown transformers
 Also, I recall reading in an issue of the Smithsonian magazine some 
eight-nine years ago that "some utility out west" was in fact using DC 
transmission lines. Can you elaborate?
  Blair
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