Energy Use in the United States

  • Benjamin Franklin performs his famous lightning rod experiment, proving that lightning is electricity

    Benjamin Franklin performs his famous lightning rod experiment, proving that lightning is electricity
  • The first gas street lamp powered by coal is in Baltimore, Maryland

    The first gas street lamp powered by coal is in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Edwin Drake is the first person to successfully drill for oil in Pennsylvania

    Edwin Drake is the first person to successfully drill for oil in Pennsylvania
  • The first power station in Manhattan provides light and electricity to customers

    The first power station in Manhattan provides light and electricity to customers
  • The first hydroelectric power plant opens in Appleton, Wisconsin

    The first hydroelectric power plant opens in Appleton, Wisconsin
  • The first Ford Model T leaves the Detriot plant

    The first Ford Model T leaves the Detriot plant
  • The first liquified natural gas plant opens in West Virginia

    The first liquified natural gas plant opens in West Virginia
  • Bell Labs publishes information about the use of solar cells for energy

    Bell Labs publishes information about the use of solar cells for energy
  • The world's first commercial nuclear power plant opens in Shippingport, Pennslyvania

    The world's first commercial nuclear power plant opens in Shippingport, Pennslyvania
  • PG&E opens the first geothermal power plant at The Geysers

    PG&E opens the first geothermal power plant at The Geysers