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Electricity flows along paths called circuits. When you turn the light switch on, you are closing a circuit (that is, creating a path) from the PUD's electrical distribution system along power lines to your home's wiring and then to your light bulb. When you turn off the light switch, you are opening that circuit, which then cuts off the electricity flow.
Some material allow electricity to flow through and others block it. Materials that allow electric current to flow are called conductors. Aluminum, brass, copper, silver, gold, and water make good conductors of electricity. Materials that do not conduct electricity are insulators (also referred to as non-conductors). Glass, rubber, and plastic are good insulators. That's why appliance cords are usually plastic or rubber.Because our bodies are made up mostly of water (70 percent) and water is a conductor for electricity, human bodies are also good conductors. But you don't EVER want to be part of the path of electricity because electricity strong enough to power appliances or turn lights on in your house could kill you.So always PREVENT yourself from becoming part of an electricity path or circuit. If you touch anything that has electricity flowing through it (this is called energized) that is also not insulated, you create a path for electricity, and it tries to flow through your body. And if the electricity flow is strong enough, it will kill you. That's why you must stay away from energized power lines and also why you shouldn't do things like stick metal objects into household appliances that are plugged into outlets.
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