Thinking Outside the Grid
Article from MHI Solutions Magazine
It might be impossible for younger generations to imagine a time when America’s electric utilities were so eager to boost demand for power they created their own industry ambassador—a whimsical cartoon character named Reddy Kilowatt—and put him to work promoting the consumption of their product. With lightning bolts for arms and legs, a lightbulb for a nose and wall outlets for ears, ever‑smiling Reddy served for seven decades starting in 1926, appearing on billboards and in utility logos, starring in a movie and comic book—”Reddy Made Magic”—and unabashedly plugging electricity’s virtues in song.
“I am always there, with lots of power to spare, ‘cause I’m REDDY KILOWATT,” Reddy boasted in a catchy jingle featured in radio and TV commercials.
But just as supply chains are looking to depend even more heavily on electric power as they transition facilities to a net‑zero economy, America’s electrical grid today faces monumental challenges in delivering on the industry’s foundational promise of always‑on, reliable, abundant energy…
