Molly Ayala
Electricity is a secondary energy source that must be derived from other sources. It is a fundamental part of modern life, powering everything from small devices to electric vehicles. Humans have been aware of the concept of electricity for millennia, but it was not until the 1880s that electricity became commonplace in everyday life. Today, electricity is generated from a variety of sources, including renewable and non-renewable sources, and its cost and environmental impact can vary depending on these sources. Understanding where your electricity comes from and how it works can help you make more informed choices about your energy consumption and keep your utility bills under control.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to find out more about electricity | Research your provider, as some utilities publish the mix of energy sources they use online |
| How electricity is generated | Electricity is derived from other sources, making it a secondary energy source. Sources can be divided into renewable (e.g. wind, solar) and non-renewable (e.g. coal, gas) |
| How electricity is delivered | A complex system of power lines, energy stations, and transformers delivers electricity from the source to homes and businesses |
| How electricity is measured | Electricity is measured in Watts, with 1,000 Watts in every kilowatt |
| History of electricity | Electricity has been known for millennia, but it became part of everyday life in the 1880s. The first electric streetlights were installed in Paris in 1878 |
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What You'll Learn
The history of electricity
The ancient Greeks are also credited with discovering static electricity. In the 6th century BCE, the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus made a series of observations on static electricity, believing that friction rendered amber magnetic. His experiments with amber, or "elektron" in Greek, from which the word "electricity" is derived, mark a foundational moment in the history of electrical science.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, our theoretical understanding of electricity progressed rapidly. In 1740, Englishman Stephen Gray demonstrated electric conduction, leading to the invention of glass friction generators in Leyden, Germany. This development inspired Benjamin Franklin's famous kite-flying experiments in 1752, in which he proved that static electricity and lightning were the same thing.
The 19th century saw further significant progress, with the development of the theory of electromagnetism leading to electricity's industrial and residential application by the end of the century. This period witnessed the invention of the first battery by Alessandro Volta in 1800, Humphry Davy's first effective "arc lamp" in 1808, and Hans Christian Oersted's work in 1820. In 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, the generation of an electric current by moving a magnet within a coil of wire. He is also credited with developing the idea of the electromagnetic field, and the Faraday cage, which can block electromagnetic energy, is named after him.
The late 19th century saw the "War of the Currents" between Thomas Edison's direct current (DC) system and Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse's alternating current (AC) system. The AC system ultimately prevailed due to its ability to enable efficient long-distance electricity transmission. In 1879, Edison invented a practical incandescent lamp, and in 1882, he established the world's first power station in New York City, using coal-fired steam engines to generate electricity. The development of the power grid transformed the electricity industry, and subsequent decades saw the rapid expansion of electricity generation with larger power plants and new technologies.
The early 20th century saw the rise of many hydroelectric dams and power plants, such as the Hoover Dam, and advancements in alternating-current (AC) technology opened up new possibilities for power generation, with hydropower becoming the first commercial electricity generation source. In 1880, Michigan's Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Co. generated DC electricity using hydropower, and by 1886, there were 40 to 50 hydroelectric plants operating in the US.
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How electricity is generated
The process of electricity generation involves converting primary energy sources into electrical energy. This process is essential, as consumable electricity does not occur freely in nature.
Electricity is typically generated in power plants through the use of electromechanical generators. These generators are driven by heat engines fuelled by combustion or nuclear fission, as well as other sources like wind and flowing water. The use of wind turbines, for instance, harnesses the kinetic energy of the wind to turn turbines, which are connected to generators. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy.
Another method of electricity generation is through solar power. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. When sunlight hits these PV cells, electrons are released, generating an electric current. This is an example of a renewable energy source, which is becoming increasingly important as we move towards a greener future.
Nuclear power plants also play a significant role in electricity generation. These plants use nuclear reactions to release energy in the form of heat, which produces steam from water. The steam then drives a turbine connected to an electric generator, converting mechanical energy into electricity. Additionally, nuclear power plants utilise the energy within atoms, specifically through nuclear fission, which involves splitting atoms.
Electricity generation methods have evolved over time, with advancements in technology leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly approaches. The fundamental principles of electricity generation were discovered in the 1820s and 1830s by British scientist Michael Faraday, who created the first electricity generator, known as the Faraday disc. Today, we continue to build on these principles to develop newer and more sustainable methods of electricity generation.
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Electricity sources
The United States uses a variety of energy sources and technologies to generate electricity. The sources and technologies have changed over time, and some are used more than others. The three major categories of energy for electricity generation are fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum, are the most common sources of electricity generation in the US. In January 2025, natural gas accounted for 38.9% of electricity in the US, while coal accounted for 20.7%. However, coal is considered the "dirtiest" fuel for electricity production due to its environmental impact. Other fossil fuel sources include blast furnace gas and other manufactured and waste gases derived from fossil fuels.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is another significant source of electricity in the US, accounting for about 17.9% to 18% of the country's electricity generation in January 2023. Nuclear power plants use steam turbines to produce electricity from nuclear fission.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass, are also used to generate electricity in the US. In 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for about 21% of total US utility-scale electricity generation. Wind energy was the largest contributor, providing about 10% of total US utility-scale electricity generation and 48% of electricity generation from renewable sources. Hydropower plants produced about 6% of total US utility-scale electricity, while solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power plants provided about 4%. Other renewable sources include pumped-storage hydroelectric, biomass, geothermal, and hydrogen.
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How to measure electricity
The basic units of measurement for electricity are current, voltage, and resistance. Current, measured in amps, is the rate at which charge is flowing or how fast the electrons are moving. Voltage, measured in volts, is the difference in charge between two points, or the "electric potential difference". Resistance is a material's tendency to resist the flow of charge (current) and is measured in ohms.
An ampere, or amp, is the basic unit for measuring electricity and measures how many electrons move past a point every second. One amp is equal to 6.25 x 10^18 electrons per second. A volt is the measure of the potential difference that drives the current.
Watts are also used to measure electricity. One watt is equal to one amp under the pressure of one volt. Watts measure the rate at which energy is used or transferred and are not just used for electronics. A watt-hour is the energy in one watt supplied over an hour.
Electric utilities measure electricity consumption with meters usually located on the customer's property. In the past, these were manual, mechanical meters, but now electronic smart meters provide wireless access to power usage data in real-time.
To calculate the electric power something consumes or produces, you multiply the voltage by the amperage. This is known as DC power measurement. For AC electrical power, the power factor (PF) is also needed, so the equation becomes watts = volts x amps x PF.
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How to find your electricity usage
There are several ways to find out more about your electricity usage and identify areas where you can cut back. Firstly, you can contact your utility company and ask for a breakdown of your electricity usage, which may be provided daily or hourly. You can also request information on your power usage from third-party sources, such as energy analysis companies.
Another option is to invest in electricity monitoring devices, which can be installed by electricians or purchased for self-installation. These devices provide detailed data on your energy usage, allowing you to identify specific areas where you can reduce consumption. For example, the Emporia Vue provides a circuit-by-circuit breakdown of energy usage, while the Sense Energy Monitor identifies the electronic signature of each device drawing power.
Additionally, you can calculate your electricity usage manually. This involves estimating the number of hours an appliance runs per day and finding its wattage, either stamped on the appliance or through online sources. You can then calculate the daily and annual energy consumption, as well as the cost, using provided formulas.
Some other simple ways to reduce electricity usage include adjusting your thermostat settings when away from home, switching to energy-efficient appliances, and unplugging devices that are not in use. These small changes can help lower your electricity bill and reduce your environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Static or current. Static electricity occurs when there is a build-up of opposite charges on objects separated by an insulator. Current electricity is more common in electronics.
Sources of electricity can be divided into renewable and non-renewable. Renewable sources can be naturally replenished, while non-renewable sources are finite. Non-renewable sources include coal, gas, and oil. Renewable sources include solar and wind power.
Electricity is measured in Watts, or kilowatts (kW) for larger devices. A volt is used to measure electric potential difference, and one volt is the potential for which one joule of work must be expended to bring a charge of one coulomb from infinity.
You can research your utility provider, as some publish the mix of energy sources they use online. Alternatively, you can call your provider and ask.
You can unplug all your appliances and monitor your weekly usage, then slowly add them back in to see which one causes a spike in usage. You can also use a device like "Sense Electric" or a "Kill-A-Watt" to monitor your usage.
