3 Ways the Electrical Industry has Changed in the Last 50 Years | Teems Electric

Fifty years ago, we were a couple of guys in a garage who wanted to provide fair and reasonable electrical services for our community. Today, our business is privileged to house multiple divisions and service a little bit of everything, from industrial boilers to your kitchen lights.

As we reflect on the growth and changes our company has seen, we are, of course, flooded with endless memories. We are also astounded by the ways in which the energy field has changed. Our dedicated team members have continually updated their education in order to truly provide the electrical services you expect and need.

Let’s look at three ways the electrical industry has changed over the last 50 years:

1. Energy Sources

While the earliest energy sources date back to the 1700s and were typically powered by wood burning fires, oil and gas sources have primarily dominated since the 1970s.

We also saw a rise in nuclear power in the 50s. While nuclear power is still an ever-present force today, the full potential of nuclear power has never really been harnessed due to the myriad of potential issues that come with proper disposal and accident potential.

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power have been on a rapid incline since the early 90s. We continuously find new ways to power our lives while saving as much resources as possible.

2. Installation Changes

Installation practices have fluctuated with both technological advances and market availability. By 1935, roughly 70% of homes in America were connected to a wire grid; however, metal wiring was not introduced until the 1940s.

While the housing and the wire configuration have seen some changes, copper wires have been the gold standard for a long time. When the market made copper very difficult to come by, aluminum was often substituted, but issues soon began to arise from this particular kind of metal.

If you are concerned you could have outdated wiring in your home, call for a professional inspection and update. While an update will help you avoid issues with your appliances, it is also essential in keeping your home fire-safe.

3. Technological Updates

Sustainability is the name of the game these days as demand for electrical power grows. Electrical grids are being modernized across the United States to include more digital technology that allows for better communication from the grid to the customers so that the utility industry can keep things balanced and running.

Renewable energy is no longer a buzzword—it is a necessity. The more we can update our homes, offices and industrial buildings to be energy-efficient, the better our grids and power sources can handle our needs. And in today’s world where even our vacuums are connected to Wi-Fi on their recharging station, there is little we can do without power.

Ready to update your home or office to be more energy-efficient or need an inspection to make sure everything is up to date? Call us. We can help!