The Story of Electricity

By Institute for Energy Research —— Bio and Archives September 3, 2014

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WASHINGTON --The Institute for Energy Research officially launches today an innovative new project--The Story of Electricity--that will provide policymakers, government officials, researchers, journalists, and the general public with a better understanding of the U.S. electric grid.

IER analysts, led by economist and electricity expert Travis Fisher, have produced avideoand aninteractive websitethat provide a quick tutorial on America's electric grid."The Story of Electricity"also includes in-depth analysis of electricitygeneration,transmission,distribution, and thehistory of electricityin America. "Electricity plays an increasingly important role in our everyday lives.We use it to power everything from our favorite gadgets to our schools and hospitals, yet we often take for granted all the things that make reliable, affordable electricity possible,"saidIER President Thomas Pyle. "Our goal with 'The Story of Electricity' is to inform the American people about something we depend on each and every day without really ever thinking about where it comes from or whether it will be there for us tomorrow.This new tool delves into the technological innovations that power the electric grid as well as some of the policies that are shaping the future of electricity in the U.S. With a better understanding of the grid, Americans and their lawmakers will be better equipped to discuss some of the challenges that face our electricity system," Pyle added. "Whether it is new Environmental Protection Agency rules, or state-level renewable energy mandates, or the threat of physical and cyber attacks,the U.S. power grid is going to be the subject of heated debate in the coming months and years. With an expanded team of experts focused on electricity issues, the Institute for Energy Research is well-positioned to inform that debate."