About Electricity

Electricity is a vital resource North Carolinians depend on daily, but when used unsafely, the consequences can be costly and lethal. According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, 3,250 electrical source fires caused $25.3 million in damages to homes within the state in 2004.

Nationally, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics report that on average, at least one U.S. citizen dies every day in electrical-related fires or accidental electrocutions in their own home. Many of these tragedies involve common items such as power outlets, appliances, power cords, power equipment and extension cords. Sadly, most of these deaths and injuries were preventable.

To help reduce electric safety casualties and injuries, North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives are dedicated to raising awareness of electric safety information to educate people of all ages on the dangers of electricity.

Start by better understanding how electricity powers your homes and businesses. Download “The Path of Electricity” [PDF] here.