Overview of Electricity

Electricity—or electrical energy—is moving electrons. We depend on electricity for many tasks in today’s world.
Electricity provides energy to lights so we can see at night.
Electricity runs our heating and cooling systems so we can be comfortable in our homes.
Electricity powers our electronics so we can work, communicate, and be entertained.

 

Electricity is a secondary energy source. We generate electricity by harnessing energy from other sources and converting it.
Coal power plants convert heat from burning coal into electricity.
Nuclear power plants convert heat from nuclear fission into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells and solar power plants convert sunlight into electricity.