Hacker News Reader

Not if it's really high direct current, like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-voltage_direct_current

Problem is they need these https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HVDC_converter , for these https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HVDC_converter_station which are expensive. So it depends on circumstances, how and when its economically feasible to use HVDC, or not.

AC has higher losses over a transmission wire because of the changing magnetic field that it induces which creates losses.

There's a cool effect where if you hold a fluorescent tube under a high voltage power line, capacitive coupling from the varying electric field causes it to light up. Some energy is continually leaking out via this route, the tube just reveals it. (Magnetic induction too)

https://youtu.be/0D50Dcvzkr4

You can feel it yourself if you have a piece of metal, like a bike.

Tesla vs. Edison is back! :)