Electric power is one of the mainstays of our lives and the life of our nation. It differentiates advanced societies from third world nations. It touches almost every facet of our lives: our homes, our businesses, our schools, our transportation, and our leisure time. It is there when we are born, and it is there when we die. Think of the impact on our lives if we were not able to watch our favorite TV shows, use our home computers, heat and cool our homes, refrigerate our food, wash our clothes or our dishes, or read at night. Yet most people take it for granted, except during those relatively rare times when it is unavailable or when we receive our electric bills and note that the charges have suddenly and un-explainedly increased.
We know we have power outlets in our homes and businesses and we may notice the distribution wires running along our streets or if we pass high-voltage transmission towers, but many of us do not know how the whole system works. Some of us are affected because we live close to new or proposed electric power facilities, generating plants, or transmission lines and substations. Some may have concerns about the economic or environmental effects of producing electricity.
The National Academy of Engineering has described the development of the national electric power system as the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century. It has involved legions of electrical, civil, mechanical, nuclear, software, and environmental engineers working for utilities and manufacturers. It also required individuals involved in everything from meter reading, to construction, operation, and maintenance of the power plants and the transmission and distribution lines, and to specialists in accounting, finance, customer relations, public affairs, and even law. Unfortunately, electric power is not a topic covered in our schools and is barely covered in our media. Even individuals who work for utilities may not know the “big picture” outside of their specialties. Decisions are often made about electric power issues with little or no input from the general public and little or no understanding of the technical and economic issues by lawmakers.
The electric industry is large and complex, involving technical, business, and governmental aspects. It cannot be viewed or understood unless one is also familiar with the regulatory environment in which it operates. This book attempts to inform its readers so that they may understand the continuing discussions and debates about the industry and its future and may be able to participate and have their own views heard.
We know we have power outlets in our homes and businesses and we may notice the distribution wires running along our streets or if we pass high-voltage transmission towers, but many of us do not know how the whole system works. Some of us are affected because we live close to new or proposed electric power facilities, generating plants, or transmission lines and substations. Some may have concerns about the economic or environmental effects of producing electricity.
The National Academy of Engineering has described the development of the national electric power system as the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century. It has involved legions of electrical, civil, mechanical, nuclear, software, and environmental engineers working for utilities and manufacturers. It also required individuals involved in everything from meter reading, to construction, operation, and maintenance of the power plants and the transmission and distribution lines, and to specialists in accounting, finance, customer relations, public affairs, and even law. Unfortunately, electric power is not a topic covered in our schools and is barely covered in our media. Even individuals who work for utilities may not know the “big picture” outside of their specialties. Decisions are often made about electric power issues with little or no input from the general public and little or no understanding of the technical and economic issues by lawmakers.
The electric industry is large and complex, involving technical, business, and governmental aspects. It cannot be viewed or understood unless one is also familiar with the regulatory environment in which it operates. This book attempts to inform its readers so that they may understand the continuing discussions and debates about the industry and its future and may be able to participate and have their own views heard.
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