Thomas Edison, a prolific inventor known for revolutionizing electricity and creating the light bulb, discusses the tumultuous early days of the electrical grid. He shares insights about the fierce rivalry with Nikola Tesla during the Current War, revealing how direct current clashed with alternating current. Edison recounts the public's fear surrounding electricity, showcased by the first electric chair execution. He emphasizes the monumental struggle to modernize the grid while navigating the societal impacts and dangers of this powerful force, shaping our energy future.
Today, electricity in the U.S. is a utility we notice only when it's suddenly unavailable. But over a hundred years ago, electricity in the homes of every American was a wild idea and the subject of a bitter fight over who would power, and profit from, the national grid. This week, the battle that electrified our world and the extreme measures that were taken to get there.