Con Edison: The People Behind Your Lights from 1972

In this video from 1972, Con Edison encourages the people of New York to “save a watt.”
www.coned.com/...
Con Edison is working hard to end power outages, and asks for the support of the citizens of New York to save a watt for the environment and for others. For example, limiting use of air conditioning.
Con Edison works all day and night to ensure you have power. We’re the people behind your light switch.
One of the ways we create electricity is oil, which comes in through the generating stations. It explained how we used to use coal, which was efficient, but dirty. In the 70s, oil was used, which was lower in sulfur content. The sulfur content has to be below 1%. Gas was also used, along with nuclear plants.
Con Edison used fuel to create steam, which then ran the turbines which were connected to the generators. Those generators are what made electricity. The entire process was constantly monitored by the station operators. Because you can’t store electricity, the exact amount had to be produced at any given moment. From there, power was transferred to substations, where the current is stepped down to voltages people can use.
In New York City, that power needs to run under the streets. It’s said at the time there was so much cable in the underground system, you could go around the world 3 times with it. It’s also said there was more copper underground in New York than in the entire state of Montana.
At the Energy Control Center, employees are able to monitor every power plant and if customers start using more electricity, they can raise and lower the generators from one room. Over the years, we’ve been able to pull electricity more efficiently and economically to power your home.
Learn more about Con Edison’s history and facts on our website:
www.coned.com/...