Every time you flip a light switch, charge your phone, or stream your favorite show, you’re using electricity. But have you ever wondered when electricity was invented? While it feels like a modern convenience we can’t live without, its story stretches back centuries.
For renters today, understanding how electricity came to be is a reminder of how essential this utility is in your everyday life. From keeping your apartment bright and warm to powering your Wi-Fi and appliances, electricity fuels modern comfort.
Let’s see how it all began and why it matters today.
When was electricity invented?
The truth is that electricity wasn’t “invented” in the traditional sense. It’s a natural force that has always existed. What people did invent were the ways to understand, harness, and use it. Key breakthroughs happened over centuries, with contributions from across the world.
In the 6th century BC, ancient Greeks discovered that rubbing amber with fur created a static electric charge. The word “electricity” even comes from the Greek word elektron, meaning amber. But it wasn’t until much later — around the 17th and 18th centuries — that electricity started to make sense scientifically.
Here are a few major milestones in that journey:
- 1600s – William Gilbert: Often called the father of electricity, Gilbert coined the term “electricus” while studying magnetic and electric forces.
- 1752 – Benjamin Franklin: With his famous kite experiment, Franklin proved that lightning is a form of electricity.
- 1800 – Alessandro Volta: He invented the first true battery, showing that electricity could be generated chemically.
- 1820s – Michael Faraday: His experiments with magnets and coils led to the creation of the first electric generator, which is the foundation of how we make electricity today.
- 1879 – Thomas Edison: He perfected the first practical electric light bulb, making electricity a household essential.
How electricity became a home essential
Edison’s first power station in New York City lit up 85 buildings in 1882. Soon after, entire neighborhoods and industries started connecting to power grids.
For renters today, these innovations translate into every outlet, appliance, and device at home. The way electricity works and the convenience it brings to every apartment come from a system built over centuries of discovery and infrastructure.
Electricity and modern renters
Why should you care about when electricity was invented? Because it connects directly to how you live now. Electricity may be one of your largest monthly utility expenses, and understanding its importance helps you use it smarter.
Knowing the history also reminds us that electricity isn’t endless or free. The same curiosity that led Franklin and Volta to experiment still drives innovation today, in renewable energy, smart meters, and eco-friendly living.
If you’re renting an apartment, here’s how this all comes into play:
1. Be energy-aware
Turn off lights and unplug appliances when you’re not using them. If possible, do laundry or run the dishwasher outside peak hours to reduce strain on the power grid.
Small daily habits like these can help lower your electric bill over time and help reduce unnecessary power use in your apartment.
2. Use efficient bulbs and appliances
Swap out traditional incandescent bulbs for LED or CFL options. They can use around 75% less energy and last much longer.
If your apartment allows it, look for ENERGY STAR–rated appliances when upgrading or replacing items like your fridge, AC, or washer.
3. Understand your service plan
Take a few minutes to check your electricity plan. Many providers, including ResidentShield Power, now offer fixed rates, renewable energy plans, or tools that help track and manage your energy use.
4. Take advantage of smart tech
Smart plugs, thermostats, and light timers make it easy to automate your energy savings. You can set schedules, monitor usage, and control your devices remotely through your phone. For example, you can turn off the living room light you accidentally left on before leaving for work.
This can help reduce waste and keep your apartment comfortable year-round.
Final thoughts
The story of electricity is about how curiosity and innovation turned a natural force into something that shapes our everyday lives. Understanding when electricity was invented and how it has evolved is essential for realizing how it has reshaped modern life.
For renters, it’s more than a background utility; it’s what makes every part of apartment living possible. It keeps your food fresh, your devices charged, and your home comfortable.
So, the next time you switch on a light or plug in your phone, you’ll know the incredible journey behind that simple act.
Key takeaways:
- Electricity was discovered and developed over centuries. Key milestones shaped how we use it today.
- Understanding the history of electricity and its connection to everyday life can help renters appreciate and manage their energy use.
- Simple actions like turning off unused lights, choosing energy-efficient bulbs, or using smart plugs can help save electricity and lower your bills.
