More Energy History

Where was the world's first hydroelectric power plant built in 1882? Bonus points if you can also name the river on which it was located.

A)  Bangor, Maine
B)  Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
C)  St. Louis, Missouri
D)  Appleton, Wisconsin

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On September 30, 1882, the world's first hydroelectric power plant began operation on the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. The dam across the Fox River is pictured above. The plant, later named the Appleton Edison Light Company, was initiated by Appleton paper manufacturer H.J. Rogers, who had been inspired by Thomas Edison's plans for an electricity-producing station in New York. Unlike Edison's New York plant which used steam power to drive its generators, the Appleton plant used the natural energy of the Fox River. When the plant opened, it produced enough electricity to light Rogers's home, the plant itself, and a nearby building.

Energy History

In what year did the first power plant produce electricity? Bonus points if you know where in the country it was located.

A)  1858
B)  1882
C)  1901
D)  1912

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Pictured in the two drawings above is the first Edison Electric Lighting Station on Pearl Street in Manhattan, New York circa 1882. At the time, it provided enough power to illuminate 80 light bulbs.

Energy Trivia

Which state consumes the greatest amount of energy today?

A)  New York
B)  Texas
C)  California
D)  Alaska

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If ya'll said B) Texas, you would be correct!

Today's Energy Insight

In a recent article on the website Off the Grid News, several energy myths were listed and busted. One in particular stood out because some people I know (one of my sons specifically) will leave fans running in unoccupied areas ALL the time.

MYTH: Leaving fans on in summer when you leave the house is a good way to keep rooms cool. After all, if you allow your home to heat up while you are away, you will have to use extra energy to cool it down again once you return.

This is not true – fans move the air, but they don’t really cool it, and leaving them on when no one is around is a waste of time, money, and energy. There are a few exceptions like when controlling humidity during the summer by drawing cool air from an underground area to prevent mold.

Today's Energy Insight

By now you have probably heard that compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs but here is something else to consider...

Standard incandescent bulbs create more heat than light, up to 90% of the energy these bulbs consume is then given off as heat. When running A/C, incandescent bulbs are actually working against you.  If you switch to CFLs your cooling costs will go down along with your lighting costs.

And that is your energy insight on this hot summer day!

4th of July Energy Insight

Declare your Independence from High Energy Use!

Happy Birthday America! The best present you can give our country is to make one change in your daily routine to help conserve energy. Whether you replace an incandescent light bulb with a CFL or LED, or you use your light switch rather than rely on a motion sensor, or you power down or unplug unused electronics; these simple steps do make a difference. If just ¼ of all staff in the district made a small change to their energy-related habits, thousands of saving opportunities would be created every week. In a district our size, you CAN and DO make a difference. Thanks for being a team player!

 When we save energy, we are stretching our district dollars further!

Have a safe, energy efficient and groovy 4th of July, Everyone!

Today's Energy Insight

Building on the previous post, here is something else to consider...

An extra 100 pounds of weight in your car will reduce your fuel economy by as much as 2%.  Remove roof racks when not in use and keep your trunk empty for a fuel efficient ride.