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1747
Benjamin Franklin experiments with static charges in the air and theorized about the existence of an electrical fluid that could be composed of particles. -
1752
Benjamin Franklin invented the lightening rod, demonstrating that lightning was electricity. -
1816
First energy utility in US founded. -
In the 1800s,
American homesteaders use windmills to pump water for farms and ranches. They also use it to settle Western frontier. Simple wooden slats are used for early farm windmills. -
1973
The oil crisis of 1973 sparks interest in large wind turbines and prompts government-sponsored renewable energy research programs in the United States, as well as many other countries. These programs trigger the development and use of new wind turbine designs, helping to cut the cost of wind power significantly over the next two decades. Throughout the 1970s, wind farms are built throughout the United States and Europe. -
1879
First commercial power station opens in San Francisco, uses Charles Brush generator and arc lights. The first commercial arc lighting system installed in Cleveland, Ohio.
Thomas Edison demonstrates his incandescent lamp, Menlo Park, New Jersey. -
1881
In Niagara Falls, New York Charles Brush dynamo, connected to turbine in Quigley's flour mill lights city street lamps. -
1888
In Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. scientist and businessman Charles Brush builds the first wind turbine to generate electricity. it measures 17 meters tall and using 144 cedar rotor blades, and it has a capacity of 12 kilowatts. -
1906
In Ilchester, Maryland, a fully submerged hydroelectric plant is built inside of the Ambursen Dam. -
1920
First U.S. station to only burn pulverized coal is opened.
Federal Power Commission (FPC) is established. -
1940s
As fossil fuel prices fall after World War II and power grids gradually extend throughout most rural areas, interest in small wind turbines steeply declines in the U.S. and other countries. -
1970
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is formed. The Water and Environmental Quality Act is passed. The Clean Air Act of 1970 is passed. -
1999
Electricity marketed on Internet. -
2001
The United States adds 1,700 megawatts of wind power, spurred in part by federal tax credits. Wind turbine installations are built across the country, with major projects in Texas, Oregon, and Kansas. -
2002
At the end of 2002, the United States’ wind generating capacity — more than 4,600 megawatts — is concentrated in two states: California and Texas, both in the West. -
2003
At the end of 2003, the United States (with more than 6,300 megawatts) and Europe dominate the development and installation of wind power. With more than 28,000 megawatts, Europe now has 70 per cent of the world’s wind capacity, due in part to laws encouraging the growth of it in Germany, Denmark and Spain.
