Energy use in the United States

First Electric plant built

Sep 4, 1882

first electirc plant built by Thomas Edison in New York http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

World's First Geothermal District Heating System Built

Jun 2, 1892

World's first geothermal district heating system built in Boise, Idaho http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

First Commercial Wind Turbines sold

Mar 11, 1927

First commercial wind turbines sold to generate electricity on remote farms http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

The Hoover Dam was Built

Aug 7, 1936

The Hoover Dam, the world's largest Hydroelectric plant ,was built. http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

First Nuclear Power Reactor

Dec 20, 1951

First nuclear power reactor generated electricity. It was built in Idaho http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

First Commercial Nuclear Power Plant

Dec 2, 1957

First commercial nuclear power plant begins operation in Pennsylvania. http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

First U.S. Satellite in Orbit

May 23, 1958

First U.S. satellite in orbit utilizes solar cells for power. http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

Department of Energy Organization

Aug 4, 1977

The Department of Energy Organization Act is signed. This created the U.S. Department of Energy. http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

Chernobyl

Apr 26, 1986

Biggest Nuclear accident happens at Chernobyl (the former Soviet Union) http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899

American Recovery and Reinstatement Act

Feb 17, 2009

American Recovery and Reinstatement Act of 2009 contains billions of dollars for renewable energy and energy efficiency developments http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1800-1899