Lost in the utility selection

[benenglish]

AFAIK, Tesla just wanted to work for Edison and build new things. They disagreed about a lot and their personal styles were at such odds they were destined to never get along. But, again AFAIK, what really tore it between the two was (to quote an article I found elsewhere):

Tesla insisted that he could increase the efficiency of Edison’s prototypical dynamos... Edison ... promised him $50,000 if he succeeded. Tesla worked around the clock for several months and made a great deal of progress. When he demanded his reward, Edison claimed the offer was a joke, saying, “When you become a full-fledged American, you will appreciate an American joke.” Edison offered a $10/week raise, instead. ... Tesla quit ...

 

[Tony2]

I have heard that as well.

 

[mitchntx]

OP does face palm.

The last piece of this would be to somehow link it to open carry ...

 

[Younggun]

Yes it is but he was also the father of magnetism

He was unwilling to connect the two, the he can't be the father of electricity when he refused the basic principles we use to generate electricity.

 

[Vaquero]

Had a few beers last night.
Looks like I "misremembered".
Heh.

 

[breakingcontact]

I recall Edison had to have small power plants all over cities that he tried to electrify as DC wouldn't carry fall.

Ill try to dig up my pix tonight but I have all sorts of cool experiences at old hydro electric plants with really old equipment. One of them generated AC power but then converted to DC (or the other way) to power the local rural interurban rail line along the Illinois river.

 

[Acera]

I recall Edison had to have small power plants all over cities that he tried to electrify as DC wouldn't carry fall.

Ill try to dig up my pix tonight but I have all sorts of cool experiences at old hydro electric plants with really old equipment. One of them generated AC power but then converted to DC (or the other way) to power the local rural interurban rail line along the Illinois river.

Notice the dates on this article, and where it was...................interesting.

Con Edison: newsroom - news release - A/C But No D/C: Last Con Edison Direct Current Customer is History

 

[F350-6]

Man What a mess all this is.
I have lived in the sticks for so long and been on a coop--never realized all the choices out there.
We will be moving next month and have to choose a power company there (Lindale). Went to Power to Choose and now need to weed my way thru 264 companies.
It's boggling my hick mind---how to choose.

It's actually not too hard, just scary the first time. The site sorts it by price lowest to highest. Check the rates for all 3 usage tiers and make sure TDSP is included in them. Decide how long you want to sign up for and give it a shot.

Getting your feet wet with a 3 month commitment means you won't get burned too bad, and those are the ones with the lowest prices anyway. Just set a reminder on your phone or computer so you remember to find new service or renew before your 3 months is up.

Sorry, I have nothing to add about Edison or Tesla.

 

[ed308]

I found picking an electric provider to be one of the most confusing aspect in my move to Texas. But like others have said, Power to Choose is your friend. I usually try and secure the longest plan that's competitive and only sign with 4 or 5 star companies. Beware of the teaser rates. They are usually the short term plans, like 3 months. After 3 months months your rates will go up and you'll have to start the process of study the plans again. Rates are usually higher in the summer months and lower in the winter. Study the Facts Sheets to learn how you'll be charged. And account for the surcharge when you use too little or too much electricity.

If you need help, let us know your zip code and we can give you the ends and outs of the plans for your area.

Good Luck.

 

[winchster]

So I'm guessing all the variable frequency drives i install do some weird stuff to the power grid?

 

[Vaquero]

So I'm guessing all the variable frequency drives i install do some weird stuff to the power grid?

Definitely.

 

[winchster]

Definitely.

Nice, considering they're a virtual requirement on every single piece of HVAC equipment in the country.

Next question, Texas is still on its own grid vs the rest of the country right?

 

[Jlrockboy]

The low first and second year rate than escalated to a much higher rate in the final years. The contract than has a massive buy out to close out the account. I remember one from some supplier that was 8 cents per kilowatt hour for 2 years, escalated to 18.5 cents in the final 2 years with a 350.00 dollar buy clause.

 

[Vaquero]

Nice, considering they're a virtual requirement on every single piece of HVAC equipment in the country.

Next question, Texas is still on its own grid vs the rest of the country right?

Yes. Panhandle not included. It's part of the southwest grid.

 

[winchster]

Yes. Panhandle not included. It's part of the southwest grid.

Nice. I hope it stays that way. Nothing quite like maintaining the ability to walk away.

 

[ZeR0BuG]

and then in the Houston Area parts are provided through Entergy which is a Louisiana based company and is not part of ERCOT.

 

[Sugar Land]

Hey Zero where you been?

 

[ZeR0BuG]

Hey Zero where you been?

Under a rock.

 

[TheDan]

Gilbert did not believe that electricity and magnetism were related. That is a key component of modern electricity, therefore Gilbert could not be the father.

Maxwell FTW! Plus honorable mentions to Faraday and Hertz...

 

[benenglish]

Maxwell FTW! Plus honorable mentions to Faraday and Hertz...

Well, if we're going to start dropping names, my dad was good friends with Olaf Pierson. He invented a few things, played with radios, etc. Biggest claim to fame? As a small boy, he was employed by Marconi to sweep up in the shop and do odd jobs.

I felt like I was in the presence of history when I met the man.