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Since it was first development it was embraced.
As it became available to the average home, electrical devices and appliances quickly followed. This made a huge impact on everyday living.
This power holds a short history. Often it seems that it has been around forever. Click on the heading below for a brief history into its beginnings.
Electricity - When It all Began
Click on the heading below for a brief outline on when some of the common products used today were first introduced.
Electrical Products – When They First Appeared
The challenge to produce enough electricity to serve growing towns and cities resulted in a variety of solutions.
Hydroelectric stations use the force of natures rushing water to spin turbines inside a generator to make it.
Coal plants burn the fossil fuel coal to create steam to turn turbines to produce it.
Nuclear plants create a controlled nuclear reaction to generate heat that drives steam turbines to provide it.
Little thought was given to how or when this power was used until the early 1970’s.
Predictions of a looming energy crisis led to an awareness of consumption.
Cost effective methods for conservation in both the home and business began to evolve.
New improved products began to appear on the market.
Today the focus is on energy efficiency and the environment.
The aim is to achieve a clean, safe and inexpensive supply while still meeting high demands. Reducing air pollution and climate change is now an important factor in this pursuit.
Wind and solar systems are gaining acceptance as environmentally friendly alternatives to coal and nuclear.
Wind farms and solar communities are already established in many areas and continue to develop. A few examples are:
Drakes Landing is a solar community in the town of Okotoks, AB.
Atlantic Wind Power Corp.’s Pubnico Point wind farm is operating in southwest Nova Scotia. Enbridge Ontario Wind Power is set to build a new wind farm in Bruce County Ontario.
Even converting individual homes to solar power is gaining popularity with homeowners.
Energy efficiency also means conserving.
Simple everyday actions can reduce the strain on the power system. Every effort equals a savings, on the grid and on the monthly bill.
The following are a few ideas for achieving energy saving goals.
- Turn it off. Is no one using the room? Turn off the lights. Is no one watching the TV or using the computer. Turn it off. Create a new habit. Not using it? Turn it off.
- Leaving the outside light on at night? Install a motion sensor light fixture outside at the front or back door. Or both. When motion is detected the light automatically turns on. When there is no motion the light automatically turns off. The home is illuminated only when someone is outside and power is saved.
- Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs also referred to as CFL.
They use 75% less electricity than regular incandescent light bulbs. Start with the most popular rooms, the kitchen or family room, and replace ceiling lights and table or floor lamps. Then work your way through the other rooms.
Use CFL for outdoor lights too.
Always read the CFL package to select the right bulb. - Use a timer for lights, the television or radio rather leaving them on when everyone is out or on vacation. It still gives the impression that someone is home. The timer plugs into a wall outlet. The lamp or TV is then plugged into it. Inserts on the timer, control the time it comes on and goes off. They are available at most hardware or lighting stores. An inexpensive type is better as it tends to be inexact. This means the lights are not always going on at precisely the same time each day. There might be a few minutes delay each time. Use CFL bulbs in all light fixtures.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat. They are easy to program to automatically adjust. A difference of one degree (at night or during the day) will mean a savings on both heating and cooling bills. A difference of one or two degrees usually goes unnoticed in terms of comfort level. Programmable baseboard heater thermostats are also available. Use a qualified technician for installation to get the best results.
- Use the microwave or toaster oven as an alterative for heating small serving of food or a beverage. Microwaves and toaster ovens use less energy than a regular electric oven or stovetop.
- Do a cold wash laundry. Washing in hot water uses more electricity in order to heat the water. Many detergents are now available for a cold-water wash. Wash only when there is a full load.
- Dry the laundry outside. If a regular clothesline is not convenient, there are many types of drying
stands available for outside or inside usage. - Turn the electric water heater temperature down to 130 degrees rather than keeping it at a higher setting. This is hot enough to kill bacteria and saves approx. 6% more energy than a setting of 140 degrees. A setting of lower than 130 degrees is not recommended as this could pose a health risk. Insulate the water heater especially if it is in an unheated space such as an unfinished basement.
- Replace old dishwashers, refrigerators/freezers and washer/ dryers with ‘energy star’ models. These appliances provide the biggest energy savings. Refrigerators can consume at least 11 % of the total home energy use. Chest style freezers are more efficient than upright models. A front load washing machine uses less power and approximately half the water of a top load model. Check out what type of government rebates are offered.
- Have an energy expert do a home test. Find all those air leaks that are letting the cold air in or the hot air out.
For more energy saving possibilities, click on a heading below.
Energy Saving Systems
Government Incentives
The future looks positive.
Individuals and communities are choosing to embrace a new approach to electricity.
Innovative solutions are emerging.
Louis Michaud, a retired refinery engineer in Sarnia, Ontario is promoting his invention of a vortex engine to produce electricity. The vortex engine produces a type of stationary man-made tornado. Harnessing the energy would produce clean emission free power. It is still in the early stages of application. The idea of an endless source of energy that could also cool the planet is intriguing.
Consider turning your home solar. Research the possibilities.
Get friends, family members or neighbors involved and buy solar panels in bulk. Get a group installation going. Solar homes are becoming more popular. Not only is it a way to decrease the strain on the power system, it is returning power to it.
MP Olivia Chow and husband Jack Layton, National NDP leader, have converted their home to solar. There is a video on YouTube, called Olivia Chow’s Green House Tour.
For a basic explanation of solar and wind power, click on the heading below.
Information on solar and wind power, specifically in Canada, is available at the following:
Solar
ARISE Technologies Corporation
www.arisetech.com
Natural resources Canada
www.nrcan.gc.ca
Suncatcher Solar Homes
www.suncatchersolarhomes.com
Wind
Airtricity Canada
www.airtricity.ca
Canadian Wind Energy Association
www.canwea.ca