Energy Consumption in the U.S.

The Beginning of Modern Electricity

Jan 1, 1752

in 1752, Ben Franklin used his ingenious wits to theorize the possibility of harnessing electricity. Testing this theory, he proved it and paved way for a brilliant future in electrical technology. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/franklinb/aa_franklinb_electric_1.html

Direct Current Lighting

Dec 24, 1878

In 1878 inventor Thomas Edison created the first lightbulb, making the whale oil business go belly up with this more sustainable use of light. http://www.edisonmuckers.org/thomas-edison-lightbulb/

Introduction of AC

Jan 1, 1881

Lucien Gaulard and John Dixon Gibbs developed a better way of conducting electricity, Alternating Current. It was steps faster and more efficient than Direct current, revolutionizing the prevalence of electricity in modern society. http://www.edisontechcenter.org/Transformers.html

First Power Plant

Sep 4, 1882

The first power plant, Pearl Street Station, was up for running in New York, New York. It provided energy until 1890, when it was unfortunately burned down. Yet, this was a huge american landmark in energy. http://www.edisonmuckers.org/thomas-edison-lightbulb/

U.S Wind Turbine

Jan 1, 1888

Arriving first in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S, the wind turbine was started by scientist and businessman Charles Brush. He buillt the first wind turbine to generate local trace amounts of electricity. It was 17 metres tall and had 144 cedar rotor blades. Only used 12kW. http://cleantechnica.com/2014/06/22/americas-first-wind-turbine-generated-electricity-1888/

First PhotoElectric Cell

Jan 1, 1901

In 1901, Nikola Tesla made the first Cell. He got the US patent for "method of utilizing, and apparatus for the utilization of, radiant energy" http://www.sunlightelectric.com/pvhistory.php

FERC

Jan 1, 1920

The Federal Power Act created the Federal Power Commission. This new commission regulates, monitors and investigates electricity, natural gas, hydropower, oil matters, and natural gas pipelines for safety and environmental standards. http://info.aee.net/hs-fs/hub/211732/file-359505558-pdf/white_papers/U.S._Electric_Power_Industry_-_Context_and_Structure.pdf

Geothermal Electric Power Plant

Jan 1, 1921

The great scientist Piero Ginori Conti invented the idea of geothermic power harnessing. Although he was Italian, the first plant was installed in america by John D Grant, in Arkansas. http://energy.gov/eere/geothermal/history-geothermal-energy-america

Public Utility Holding Company Act

Jan 1, 1935

This act allowed the destruction of the pyramid structure that had been at the core of financial abuses. Holding companies could remain, but they could only have two levels. This diminished the quiet monopoly in place at the US level. http://americanhistory.si.edu/powering/past/h1main.htm

Current Energy Use

Jun 28, 2016

The rates of energy consumption are higher than ever. With an increasing population and standard of living, we as a country are diminishing the very fabric that is the energy crisis we have found ourselves in. This problem is causing many to worry if we can maintain this level of usage. http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/energy-resources/variable-351.html