Energy Saving Tips

Today’s topic summarizes an interesting article that touches on a subject we are all dependent on. Yes, electricity is something most if not all of us take for granted everyday. The history of electricity as we know is a quite longer journey than most think, with multiple inventions or milestones along the way.

When was electricity invented?
The short answer is it will be difficult to put a precise date on this since electricity as we know it today is an outcome of multiple innovations dating back more than 100 years.

History of Electricity and Timeline
The journey or milestones leading to electricity today are many. Some of the more significant steps are:
•    Static electricity was discovered, a machine was later invented to demonstrate the existence.
•    The electric capacitor was invented, one of the first methods to store electricity.
•    It was proven that static electricity and lightening where the same.
•    The first electric battery was invented and the notion of voltage.
•    Electro-magnetic rotation found in everyday motors was discovered.
•    Relationships defined between power, voltage, resistance and current which lead to the definition of Ohms law.
•    The electric motor was invented.
•    The Edison Electric Light Co. was founded which began the creation of a ling lasting incandescent light bulb.
•    The California Electric Light Company started to distribute and sell electricity to houses in San Francisco.
•    The Pearl Street Power Station in New York City started powering about 5,000 lights using direct current (DC).
•    Hydroelectric stations were opened.
•    The electric alternator producing alternating current (AC) was invented. This led to a system put in place by The Westinghouse Electric Company.

Just who invented or discovered electricity?
The above timelines or milestones demonstrate that significant innovation has taken place to get to where we are today. The same can be said about who invented electricity since it too has evolved compared to our understanding of today.

How is electricity generated today?
Electricity is generated from multiple sources today since it is considered to be secondary energy source, outcome of using the following primary energy sources:

•    Coal
•    Natural Gas
•    Nuclear Power
•    Petroleum
•    Hydropower
•    Geothermal Power
•    Solar Power
•    Wind Power
•    Biomass

Why should you consider ways to conserve or save electricity?
You may also be thinking why is it important to understand electricity, the history and timeline, discuss who invented or discovered it and where does it come from today?

The first point is electricity is an outcome from other energy sources. To put this into perspective, during 2006 in the US, about 49% of electricity was generated from burning coal, nuclear about 19%, whereas geothermal, solar, wind and biomass each contribute about 1% or less.

This explains my second point which is a majority of the electricity generated in the US during 2006 came from non-renewable energy sources.

We can expect this to change over time, perhaps more rapidly. This is my third point in the sense the innovations which led to our situation today will likely carry forward with even more evolution. With increased focus by everyone with applying energy saving tips, development and adoption of new technologies the next 100 years should be interesting.

In the meantime, my suggestion is to look for ways to conserve or save electricity in your household. I believe you will find that when you conserve electricity in your home will not necessarily change your lifestyle or comfort level.

I invite you to consult the full article covering the history of electricity and electricity timeline.