Energy Use in the U.S.

Benjamin Franklin proved that there was energy in lightning

Jan 1, 1752

By tying a key onto a kite string during a storm, Ben Franklin , proved that static electricity and lightning were the same thing.

Humphry Davy invents the arc lamp

Jan 1, 1808

Humphry Davy invented the arc lamp. The lamp is a piece of carbon that glows when attached to a battery.

Joseph Henry invents the electric relay

Jan 1, 1835

Joseph Henry invented the electrical relay, which is used to send electrical currents through long distances.

Thomas Edison invents a light buld that lasts 40 hours

Jan 1, 1879

In 1879 Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that could be used for about 40 hours without burning out.

Electric streetcar is invented by E.W. v. Siemens

Jan 1, 1881

In 1881 E.W. v. Siemens invents the electric streetcar.

Westinghouse Electric Company uses an AC to light the Chicago World Fair

Jan 1, 1893

The Westinghouse Electric Company used an alternating current (AC) system to light the Chicago World’s Fair.

W. Carrier invents Electric Air conditioning

Jan 1, 1911

In 1911 Electric air conditioning was invented by W. Carrier.

A. Goss created the Electric Refrigerater

Jan 1, 1913

In 1913 A. Goss created the Electric Refrigerator.

Hover Dam was completed

Jan 1, 1920

Boulder Hoover Dam was completed. It is a 287 Kilovolt power line that stretches 266 miles to Boulder (Hoover) Dam.

Lakeside Power Plant was the first to burn only pulverized coal

Jun 28, 2012

In 1921 Lakeside Power Plant in Wisconsin became the world’s first power plant to burn only pulverized coal.