Electric power

The authors briefly trace the evolution of electric power up to the present time, and note various fields of application of electric power which have become specialized branches of electrical engineering. The tendency of public utilities towards consolidation, and the advantages to be derived thereby, are discussed, also the interconnection of hydroelectric plants, and the grouping of systems under a holding company. The growth of the electric power industry is illustrated by reference to the recent U. S. census report. The present practise tends to the use of very large generating units, and transmission lines are being constantly increased in length and operated at higher voltages. Applications of electric power to various industries are briefly referred to and their advantages in various fields are specified.