The electricity we use every day is generated in power plants by converting natural resources such as water, sun, coal, oil, natural gas and wind into electrical power.

There are two general categories of natural resources—non-renewable and renewable. A non-renewable resource is not capable of being renewed, replaced or takes a very long time to replace. A renewable resource is capable of being renewed or replaced.

• Non-renewable resource examples are coal, oil, natural gas and uranium. 
• Renewable resource examples are solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower. 

Electricity is generated by a large magnet that spins inside coils of wire. High-pressure steam or water is used to turn a turbine—a large fan—attached to the generator to get the magnet spinning. As the magnet rotates inside the loops of wire, electric current is produced.

Electricity is sent through a vast power grid of high voltage transmission lines to a substation in your area. At the substation, the voltage is lowered, then overhead or underground distribution lines carry the electricity to your home or work.

Power lines leading to residential areas generally carry 4,200 to 34,500 volts. Within neighborhoods, the voltage is decreased further with step-down transformers located on the top of poles (or in a vault on the ground) to the typical 120 to 240 volts for safe home use.

Although electricity is invisible, the earth’s atmosphere is charged with it. You’ll see proof of its presence during a lightning storm.

Electricity's physical properties

• Electricity always seeks a path to the ground. 
• Electricity travels at the speed of light.
• Electricity is attracted to materials known as “conductors” that allow it to flow readily. Some conductors include:
  • Metal
  • Water
  • Wet objects
  • Trees (they contain moisture)
  • People (bodies contain water)
  • Dirt on insulators
• Unlike conductors, electricity does not flow easily through certain insulating materials, such as:
  • Rubber
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Porcelain

Electrical-related accidents can occur anywhere and anytime a person or conductor interrupts the flow of the current, providing it a path to the ground. Most of the time, using common sense and extra caution around electricity will prevent such accidents.

Ways to stay safe around electricity:

• Look up for overhead lines before starting an outdoor project. 
• Call 811 before you dig to have underground lines marked. 
• Stay away from power lines and treat any line you see as being energized and dangerous. 
• Inside your home, be sure to "childproof" electrical outlets, discard appliances or lights with worn or frayed cords, avoid circuit overloading and use ground fault circuit interrupter devices (GFCIs). GFCIs are outlets equipped with "test" and "reset" buttons near water sources.

Power to Save Booklet

Wattsmart Business

Wattsmart Business Overview

Wattsmart Small Business Brochure and Enhanced Lighting Incentives

Low-Interest Loans for Residential Energy Efficiency Projects

Financing Solutions for Nonresidential Energy Efficiency Projects

Stay Safe Around Electricity

Safety on Your Farm or Ranch

Staying Safe During Wildfire Season Brochure

Public Safety Power Shutoff Handout

Low Income Bill Assistance Program

• Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties
• Yakima County

Billing Options and Bill Credits

Time of Use

Blue Sky renewable energy

The Clean Energy Implementation Plan is a near-term four-year action plan specific to Washington customers and communities that focuses on community-based actions to move toward meeting Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act's milestones. 

Consejo Para el Ahorro de Energía

Reembolsos y Incentivos para Viviendas Unifamiliares

Reembolsos e Incentivos para Casa Prefabricadas

Reembolsos y Incentivos para Familias Multifamiliares

Verificación de Energía Doméstica

Wattsmart Business (Negocios)

Wattsmart Business Resumen

Wattsmart Business Incentivos Aplicación

Una gran Oferta de Iluminación para Pequeños Negocios

Cables Eléctricos Manténgase a Distancia para Mantenerse Seguro

Seguridad con la Electricidad Propietarios o Trabajadores Rurales

Cómo Prepararse para Apagones

Seguridad Durante la Temporada de Incendios

Lista de Chequeo de Seguridad en Caso de Incendio Forestal

Entendiendo el Corte del Suministro Eléctrico por Motivos de Seguridad Pública

Programa de Asistencia de Pago de Facturas para Hogares con Bajos Recursos (LIBA):

• Condados de Columbia, Garfield y Walla Walla
• Condado de Yakima

Opciones y Formas de Ahorrar

Opciones para Recibir Créditos de Facturación

Tiempo de Uso

Energía renovable

El Clean Energy Implementation Plan es un plan de acción a corto plazo, de cuatro años, específico para los clientes y comunidades de Washington que se enfoca en acciones basadas en la comunidad para avanzar en el logro de los hitos establecidos en la CETA.