Iceland generates 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, using hydroelectric and geothermal energy. Fossil fuels account for only 21% of energy use, due to the country’s location on an active expansion zone. Renewable energy comes from sun, wind, water, and geothermal heat. 80 countries operate wind farms with over 225,000 turbines, and Larderello, Italy […]
In 2017, 87% of the world’s population had access to electricity, but progress has been made with over 120 million people gaining access in 2018. India electrified all its rural villages, and countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh have seen significant increases in household electrification rates. However, 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack […]
A French company, Valbio, has built a power plant in the Alps that turns whey from Beaufort cheese production into 2.8 million kWh of energy per year. The process uses bacteria to ferment whey and produces methane and carbon dioxide gases to generate power. The aim is to minimize waste, with only clean mineral water […]
Electricity consumption rankings vary depending on whether raw material consumption or per capita consumption is considered. China, the US, India, and Russia are the top raw consumers, while Iceland, Nordic countries, and Canada lead in per capita consumption. The EU ranks third overall, and Japan is knocked out of the top five. The top 25 […]
After Thomas Edison’s first power plant in Manhattan in 1882, over 4,000 power companies supplied electricity independently until after World War II. Three interconnected power grids have since evolved in the US, including the Texas Interconnection, which serves only Texas customers and is exempt from most federal regulations. Texas uses 44% more electricity than California, […]
Electricity tariffs vary by supplier and location, with factors such as operating costs, customer base, and seasonal changes affecting rates. Different pricing schedules may also apply to businesses and residential customers. An electricity tariff is a schedule of rates or prices related to receiving electricity from a specific supplier. Sometimes known simply as electricity pricing, […]
Thomas Edison’s discovery of using carbonized bamboo as a filament for light bulbs led to the world’s first incandescent lighting systems, replacing gas lights. The White House was first installed with electricity in 1891, but President Harrison and his wife never touched the switches. Instead, the household staff turned the lights on and off. During […]
Electricity is produced by spinning a turbine to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Steam, flue gases, water, wind, and nuclear energy can be used to spin turbines. Transformers convert low voltage to high voltage for safe transportation through transmission lines and towers. There are many different ways to produce electricity. Each method involves the […]
Electricity is the result of the interaction of subatomic particles with the electromagnetic force. It is essential to modern industry, technology, and domestic life. Electricity is generated by converting rotational motion into electrical energy, and it is usually transmitted in the form of alternating current. The unit of measurement for electricity includes joules, watts, coulombs, […]
The history of electricity dates back to ancient Greece, where rubbing fur on amber was found to cause an attraction between the two. William Gilbert made the connection between the attraction of oppositely charged objects and magnetism. Benjamin Franklin is credited with the idea behind the lightning experiment and the invention of the lightning rod. […]
Solar energy is more efficient than electricity in the long run, but initial costs are higher. Availability and surface area are challenges, but solar technologies are advancing. Tax credits and rebates make solar more affordable. Homeowners have many solar choices for heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Businesses can benefit from lower operating costs and […]
Factors limiting electricity transmission include distance, transmission power, materials, and location. Energy loss occurs during transmission due to Joule’s law and corona discharge. Thick cables and strategic additions like capacitor banks and transformers help manage power flow and minimize loss. Extension cords increase loss, limiting transmission. There are several key factors that limit the transmission […]
Receiving an electric bill online has advantages such as faster delivery, increased security, access to additional information, and reducing the need for paper products. It also reduces the risk of identity fraud and power disconnection due to lost bills. Utility companies also offer incentives for going paperless. There are many advantages to receiving an electric […]
Static electricity is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is an electron imbalance on the surface of an object, creating a positive or negative charge. This charge is normally discharged when the object comes into contact with earth or a conductor, creating a spark. While usually harmless, static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components […]
Getting an electric bill online is faster, more secure, and provides access to additional information. It also reduces the risk of identity fraud and power shut-offs. Going paperless benefits the environment and may provide incentives from utility companies. There are many benefits to getting an electric bill online. Not only does it get to the […]
