American electricity dependence has become a big problem, especially since many electrical energy generation plants use coal to produce the electricity needed. Electricity dependence means a continued dependence on fossil fuels like oil and coal unless the way electricity is produced is changed, to use alternative renewable energy sources instead of relying on fossil fuels for energy. In America, electricity has become a way of life, and when electrical shortages and blackouts happen we as a country are very inconvenienced. But fossil fuels are not available in unlimited supplies, and it takes millions of years for the earth to replenish oil and coal that is removed for our use. Yet most Americans, and people from many other countries as well, could not possibly contemplate what life is like without electricity. This electricity dependence results in many people using electricity constantly, with no thought of conservation. If we do not change our energy policies soon, this may change.

There is an electricity dependence for many reasons. Electricity is used to light homes, power appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and even heater to keep homes warm. Electricity has made modern living possible, and added much convenience. Without electricity, none of this would be possible, and the country would be thrown back to the eighteen hundreds again. No one want this, and this is what leads to our electricity dependence. It is not possible to end this dependence without going backwards concerning technology and the quality of life for people, but we can take steps to conserve electricity and find renewable alternative energy sources to produce it, instead of depending on coal and oil to meet our electricity dependence.

Burning coal to produce electricity contributes a large amount of carbon emissions into the air, and this can speed up global warming. Coal burning plants also cause large amounts of particulates to be released, greatly increasing the amount of air pollution present. Our electricity dependence is a problem because it damages the environment and earth, and this must be stopped. This does not have to mean a move backwards, however. Solar panels can be installed on homes to help meet their electrical needs. Wind turbines can also be used to produce electricity that can be used by homes for power. Advancements in research and technology concerning many different alternative and renewable energy sources from the ocean are also being made, meaning that at some point in the future the ocean may be able to supply the electricity we need.

Our electricity dependence must be lowered, and our demand for electricity decreased. This means shutting off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and making our homes more energy efficient and utilizing alternative sources of electricity whenever possible. If every home had one solar panel to collect energy from the sun and convert it to electricity, we could shut down at least a couple coal burning electricity generating power plants. Even this small step would have a large impact on the environment, creating less demand for coal and reducing harmful emissions and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. If we do not want to eventually learn to live without electricity again, we need to take steps now to lower our electricity dependence, while providing the electricity that we do use in the form of alternative energy sources that are renewable and eco friendly. Otherwise our electricity dependence that relies heavily on fossil fuels may end up being affected by an energy crisis once the fossil fuel supply gets low.