Hydroelectric power is a technology which produces electricity via hydropower, or the energy released by moving water, such as for instance water moving through the course of a river or falling downhill. In the United States today, most hydroelectric power is generated by water flowing downhill, and most of this downhill flow is achieved via the construction of artificial dams. The dams are constructed so as to engender sufficient water outflow volume by way of creating a significant “head” or, that is, the difference in height between the water’s source (or crest) and the water’s outflow.

A significant enough “head” is necessary to produce a sufficiently useful flow of energy from the hydroelectric power source. This is why dams constructed for the purpose of creating hydroelectric power are built as high as is feasible. Within these dams there are turbines which receive the force of the water’s flow, and the turning of the blades of the turbines generates the electrical current which is transferred to long-distance power lines and transformed into electricity for use in homes and offices.

In addition to the dams there are some tidal harnesses which have been constructed. These draw electrical power from the flow of the tide along a coastal area. In the United States, there is a heightened interest in creating many more small, unobtrusive tidal flow hydroelectric power generators in rivers and large streams which would be used just for generating local electricity. In Canada, there is so much electricity generated by hydroelectric facilities that they simply say “hydro” to refer to any public electricity utility, even nuclear power. Norway and Iceland also generate nearly all of their citizens’ needed electricity by way of hydroelectric power.

North America has the greatest hydroelectric power capacity. Canada is the world’s leading nation in that regard, and the United States is the world’s second leading nation.

Except in nations that have a proportionate abundance of the right natural resources (i.e. a lot of water), hydroelectric power is used to handle the supplying of electricity during high peak loads. Today’s greatest single interest in harnessing more hydroelectric power resides in the fact that it is a renewable source, or “alternative source”, of electricity, since obviously the planet will never run out of water and it doesn’t matter if the water utilized is potable or not.

The big concern about using more hydroelectric power is that it may disrupt ecosystems too much if more facilities (especially dams) are installed. A secondary concern is that water demand for hydroelectric facilities sometimes conflicts with irrigation demands.

The Greeks were using hydroelectric power to turn water-wheels for the grinding of grain over 2,000 years ago. Hydroelectric power was “rediscovered” in the 18th century in the U.S. and western Europe.

The first modern hydroelectric dam was completed in 1882 on the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin in the United States and could generate 12.5 kW of electrical power. It was based upon the ideas of American inventor Lester Allan Pelton, who invented a jet-free water turbine in 1880.

Most burn injuries are preventable. That’s why in honor of National Burn Awareness Week, February 1-7, 2015, organizations across the U.S. are coming together to kick-off a yearlong campaign aimed at preventing burns in our communities. Do you have the fire safety information you need to protect your family from necessary burns and your home from electrical fire?

Note: Children are at an increased risk for electrical burns due to their ignorance and curiosity. 

Fire safety starts with you! Spread the word and get the information you need to keep your family and your home safe from electrical fire risks with help from Mr. Electric. Ensure safety by scheduling your free electrical home inspection today.

 The list of issues concerning the supply of electricity in Texas is long.  First, the state has its own power grid, so it is essentially isolated from the rest of the nation.  It can’t get power from the outside during peak demand periods.  Plus, new rules from the EPA went into effect January 1 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, forcing the immediate shutdown of two power plants in the state.   On top of that, since all power plants need a supply of cooling water to operate, the state’s drought and low water tables may force up to 3000 megawatts of power-generating equipment to shut down as early as May.  According to Plano, TX electricians, one plant was forced to shut down in 2011 for lack of water.  Add to this an increasing population and projected record summer temperatures, and the likelihood of blackouts will be at an all-time high.

Fortunately, for customers of Texas power utilities, it is possible to avoid the headaches and potential damage to electrically-operated appliances in a blackout with some foresight and wise investing.  By using a savvy electrician, Plano TX residents can take advantage of the latest technology in back-up power systems to service their houses during power outages.  Homeowners can continue to enjoy all the creature comforts they expect, even if their neighbors are in total darkness.

The latest advancement in backup power supplies is the Indoor Generator, which uses a bank of batteries to provide emergency power to the home.  Unlike traditional engine-driven units, these indoor generators are quiet, require no messy fuel handling, have no smell, and produce a more efficient supply of power for home appliances.  Even better, customers don’t have to use power from the power company to charge the batteries.  Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, can be used to charge the batteries by installing solar panels or a wind turbine along with the unit.

A reliable, reputable Plano, TX electrician can set up customers with a system like this quickly thanks to innovations such as the Power Cart, a mobile trailer which combines a battery-based indoor generator with four solar panels and an optional wind turbine.  The indoor generator takes advantage of the sun and wind when available to power the batteries, relying only on the power company or second backup generator if the batteries deplete.  The system can provide a continuous 3.6 kilowatt output, and has on-board electronics to tell the Power Cart to sell power back to the power company using wind or solar power when possible.

We work with any type of electric wiring, old to new; from replacing an outlet to complete rewiring for both residential and commercial.

When you’re looking for an electrical company that you can feel confident working with you can turn to family-owned and operated Hoffman Electrical. We have been offering residents in the Tampa areaelectrical services since 1989 and have built up a spotless reputation in the process. When you need qualified electrical services with reasonable pricing you’ll always be sure to find it with our company.

No matter what type of service we are working on we will always use the operating methods that are the most cost effective without compromising quality. We offer competitive pricing that’s charged by the job and not by the hour so that you know exactly what to expect in terms of billing. We understand as a family-owned business that electrical emergency repairs and services may come up at the most inopportune times and that’s why we always offer fair pricing guidelines for each and every one of our valued customers.

Our Tampa electricians all have the qualifications and experience necessary to complete all projects to a safe and effective final result. Whether you need an emergency repair done immediately, are working on renovations or are looking for electrical upgrades, you can count on our team to provide it.

If you’re planning on building a new home we are the trusted choice in Tampa for electrical wiring for new housing. We understand the need to get the home completed on time and we are able to synchronize our services with those of other contractors that are on the site as well.

If you’re working on renovations in your home you’ll want to have a trustworthy electrician by your side that can work with you within your budget. Every Florida renovation project is different so you’ll need an electrician that has worked with various types of projects in the past and understands the flexibility that’s required of them. When you’re working within a specific budget we’ll provide an estimate for the job done so that you’ll know right away what the pricing will be upfront.

We also work with Tampa Bay homeowners and commercial establishments that need to set up a generator system in order to prepare for a power outage. You’ll never have to worry about having an electricity outage again once you get hooked up with a backup generator system. Our company can provide you with all the wiring you’d need for either a manual or an automatic transfer switch when the lights go out.

Whether you’re a homeowner, active in the construction industry or own a commercial property in the Tampa area, we know that you are looking for an electrical company that you can fully trust with your electrical contracting needs. You can trust Hoffman Electrical to provide competent and reliable services with qualified and experienced personnel. We’re a friendly bunch of people and through the mutual respect that we have built up with our customers we have established a solid reputation in the Tampa Bay community. We look forward to helping you with any and all of your electrical needs this year. Contact us today for more information, or to set up an appointment.