Impressive Portfolio
By Mike Federman Depending on where you live, the primary source of electricity varies greatly. In the Northwest, hydropower is king. In the Great Basin, coal is widely used. In Alaska, diesel plays an important role. But these primary resources are supplemented by numerous other types of electrical generation that are owned and operated by
Maintaining a Safe Home
Compiled by Pam Blair Each May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month to increase public awareness of electrical hazards around us. Check the following areas: The Heart of the Home The kitchen is where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share meals and reconnect. It also is where two-thirds of
The Generation Gap
By Magen Howard Tighter government regulations—and the high cost to comply with new rules—may signal lights-out for many of the nation’s older coal-fired power plants at a time when forecasters predict energy demand will eventually outpace supply. “Americans could see power shortages by the end of the decade if new generation sources don’t materialize,” cautions
Low-Impact Entertainment
By Mike Federman In the world of television electronics, change came quickly. Analog TV sets, in homes since the 1940s, became obsolete in 2009 without a digital convertor. Television makers now entice consumers with claims of high definition, surround sound and multimedia compatibility. Bigger screen, better picture, more options—and more energy consumption. High-definition TV sets
Red Tape Overload
By Perry Stambaugh The cost of electricity hinges on several things: availability; the price for power plant fuels and materials such as poles, wire and equipment; and the amount of power consumers demand. Add federal rulemaking to the list. Perhaps the most pressing challenge facing electric utilities involves U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of
A Powerful Creation