Commentary Temperatures in Orange County where I live recently soared close to 100 degrees, maybe above it. On Twitter, Gov. Gavin Newsom was pleading with Californians: I wonder how many of his rich donors in Silicon Valley and Hollywood were following this in their vast mansions? Meanwhile, I talked to a relative of mine who…
Amid Sizzling Temps, Chinese Cities Power Down, Putting Foreign Companies in a Tough Spot
Power cuts and limitations imposed in parts of China amid extreme heat waves have caused production halts and supply chain disruptions. Coming after two years of pandemic-related restrictions, the restrictions have added to the difficulties of foreign companies like Tesla. Tesla, seen as the most influential foreign auto giant in China, is facing operating woes…
Texas Grid Avoids Summer Blackouts With $1 Billion in Extra Spending
Texas’s electric grid operator has powered through record demand this summer by paying more to keep higher reserves and rewarding industrial consumers to cut usage, a combination that has added more than $1 billion to power fees. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has set new demand records 11 times this summer and twice…
Electricity Thefts Hit Record Levels as Cost of Living Crisis Worsens
A record number of people stole electricity in England and Wales last year, according to new figures released by the Home Office. Police forces received 3,600 reports of “dishonest use of electricity” in the 12 months to March 2022, an increase of 13 percent on the previous year and the highest level since records began…
Amid Energy Crisis, South Africa Considers Rehiring White Engineers Fired After Apartheid
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa—The worsening energy crisis in Africa’s second-largest economy has prompted the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to indicate it may re-employ some white electricity experts it fired roughly three decades ago. South Africa has endured frequent, widespread blackouts since 2008, when most of its old coal-driven power stations began failing. The crisis has…
Ontario Wrestles With How to Meet Future Energy Needs
Ontario is torn between meeting the provincial demand for electricity and a desire to wean itself from fossil fuels. The province’s Crown corporation responsible for the operation of the electrical system has said more natural gas plants will be needed to bridge the gap during the transition, and that phasing out fossil fuels by 2030 would…
How a 19th Century Engineer’s Brilliant Mind and Generosity Changed the American Way of Life
When the 1893 Columbian Exposition opened on the shores of Lake Michigan, visitors to the fair were treated to a glimpse of the future. Chicago, the great classical “White City” by day, at night became a magically illuminated world of colored lights. President Grover Cleveland opened the exhibition by pushing a button that set the…
Germany to Increase Burning of Coal Amid Cut in Gas Supplies From Russia
BERLIN—Germany’s economy minister said Sunday that the country will limit the use of natural gas for electricity production amid concerns about possible shortages caused by a cut in supplies from Russia. Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that Germany will try to compensate for the move by increasing the burning of coal. “That’s bitter, but it’s…
10 American Inventions That Changed the World
Electricity Efforts to understand and harness electricity began in the 18th century. Scientists thought electricity could be used to create a cheap way for people to light their homes. One of the most notable pioneers in electricity was Thomas Edison, who developed the first practical electrical light bulb in the late 1870s. Edison launched a…
Israel, Cyprus, Greece Electricity Cable Link Gets EU Money
NICOSIA, Cyprus—The European Union has earmarked 657 million euros ($736 million) for the construction of a 2,000-megawatt undersea electricity cable that will link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus and Greece, Cypriot Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said Thursday. Pilides told reporters the funding is Cyprus’ largest-ever investment as well as the lion’s share of the…
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