Historical Energy Events

First Electric Plant

Sep 4, 1882

On September 5 1882, Thomas Edison built the first electric plant covering only a 3 mile radius.

First Windmill to Genrate Energy Created

Dec 20, 1888

Charles F. Brush develops the world's first windmill that can generate electricity in Cleveland, Ohio.

World's First Flex Fuel Car

Jun 16, 1908

The Worlds First Flex Fuel vehicle, the Ford Model-T, goes into mass production. Able to run on either ethanol or gasoline.

World's First Geothermal Plant

Mar 8, 1921

The Worlds first geothermal power plant is built in California. John D. Grant drilled a geothermal well and ran a small current generator which was used to provide electricity for lighting their resort.

First Commercial Wind Turbines Sold

May 17, 1927

Marcellus and Joe Jacobs develop the first commercially available wind turbine. Sold to remote farms to generate electricity.

Hoover Dam is Built

Jul 29, 1935

The worlds largest Hydroelectric power plant is built in Arizona along the Colorado River. It remains the largest htdroelectric producer in the world until 1948.

Petroleum Becomes Most Used Fuel

May 28, 1950

Due to demand caused by the automobile, Petroleum becomes the most used fuel in the US.

The First Energy Crisis

Oct 17, 1973

The Yom Kippur War breaks out in the Middle East in 1973. The Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries declares an oil embargo, sparking the first energy crisis.

World's First Solar Powered Village

Apr 13, 1978

The first solar powered village is established in an indian reservation in Tohono O'odham, Arizona. The system provided power for water pumping and residential electricity to 15 homes until 1983.

US Imports More Than It Produces

May 7, 1994

For the first time in history, the United States imports more petroleum than it produces.