Powering Our Future

"Be courageous! Whatever setbacks
America has encountered, it has always
emerged as a stronger and more
prosperous nation... Be brave as your
fathers before you. Have faith and go
forward!" 
–Thomas Edison

We have come a long way since Edison's invention of the first practical light bulb in 1879.  While Edison's first light bulb is said to have burned from 14 to 40 hours, today's typical incandescent light bulb (60 watts) lasts for 1,000 hours and the typical compact fluorescent light bulb lasts for 8,000 to 10,000 hours. 

Increasingly efficient light bulbs and electric technologies help improve the environment and conserve raw materials. While we have Edison to thank, this is just the beginning. Who knows where we will be in the next 125 years–the possibilities are endless.

Additional Resources

• Electric Technologies  Improve the Quality of the Environment by Saving Energy and Reducing Waste
• FutureGen: Tomorrow's Pollution-Free Plant
• National Energy Technology Laboratory Web site

© 2008 Edison Electric Institute