ELECTRICITY

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY ON LONG ISLAND? On LI we burn fossil fuels, natural gas or oil, to produce electricity.

HOW IS ELECTRICITY PRODUCED? In the power plant, heat from the burning fossil fuel turns water into steam. The steam, makes the turbine blades spin. The turbine is connected to an alternator, which produces electricity & pollutants.

HOW DOES ELECTRICITY GET TO OUR HOMES?

HOW IS ELECTRICITY DISCHARGED? Electricity is generated at a power plant. Voltage is increased at transformer stations. Electricity travels through transmission lines. Local transformer stations decrease the voltage. Electricity is carried to neighborhood transformers on electric poles. The transformers decrease voltage before entering your house.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY? Solar panels can capture sunlight convert the sunlight into electricity. With No Pollution!

BUT! Solar panels can be costly to install for homeowners and must face south to be most effective.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY? Wind energy turns turbines to generate electricity. With No Pollution!

BUT. Turbines frequently cause the death of many migrating birds. (est BUT! Turbines frequently cause the death of many migrating birds. (est. 400,000 annually)

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY? Hydroelectric power plants use the force of water to turn turbines. With No Pollution!

BUT! Hydroelectric power plants create dams which prevent fish from migrating and change the ecology of the landscape. before after

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY? Nuclear power plants use heat generated from radioactive fuels to heat water.

BUT! Radioactive wastes and accidents at reactors release radiation into the environment which can have serious health concerns for all living things. (death, cancers, genetic defects)

SUMMARY: Electricity on Long Island comes from burning fossil fuels. Voltage of electricity needs to be “corrected” before use. There are alternative methods to producing electricity that do not produce pollution, but may have other negative effects.