Pacific gas and electric Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pacific gas and electric - Essay Example During PG&E’s first year in operation an earthquake destroyed one of its facilities – North Beach Gas Works. However, it’s two other facilities Potrero Works and Martin Station. Between 1905 and 1912 the company’s billing system was based on a flat rate. However in 1912 the decision was taken to begin installing meters, thereby getting rid of the flat rate billing system (Wikipedia). In 1930 the company began the delivery of natural gas to San Francisco and Northern California using what was at that time the longest pipe line in the world. This pipeline connects the Texas gas fields to Northern California. One of the characteristics of this system is that at 300 miles intervals there was a compressor station that consisted of cooling towers. Having introduced natural gas in 1930 PG&E started the task of retiring manufacturing facilities that were major sources of pollution. Some of the plants ware kept on standby in case they became necessary (Wikipedia). After World War 11, PG&E built numerous facilities including 14 new hydroelectric plants and 5 steam plants. At the end of 1992 the company operated 173 electric generating units and 85 generating stations. Additionally, it had 18,450 miles of transmission lines and a whopping 101,400 miles of distribution systems (Wikipedia). In the latter part of the 1990’s the company sold off a substantial portion of its natural gas plants leaving only a few. This meant that it had to purchase power from energy generators in order to satisfy the demands of its customers. Even though the purchase price of power was fluctuating PG&E was forced to sell power to its customers at a fixed cost. The company still maintained its hydroelectric plants along with the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. PG&E’s competitors included Enron Corporation which dominated the market and along with other corporations pushed the prices up for electricity. This resulted in the California electricity crisi s that began in 2000. In 1995 PG&E Corporation was incorporated. It’s primary purpose to hold shares in Pacific Gas & Electric Company. PG&E Corporation became the holding company of Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1997. The company operates in both northern and central California. The company generates income mainly through the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers (Annual Report 2009). Operations in the 21st Century In 2000 there was a major incident where the company allowed water tainted with cancer causing chromium to seep into underground water supplies which affected residents in the community of Hinkley in California (Joseph Ascenzi 2000). PG&E later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001 and emerged from that situation three years later in 2004 after distributing over $10 billion to creditors (Wikipedia). Since that time the company has turned around its operations and is currently making profits. The company’s power generating por tfolio is extensive and consists of an extensive hydroelectric system, one operating nuclear power plant, one operating natural gas and another gas fired plant which has recently been reconstructed. The company’s hydroelectric portfolio is the largest under private ownership as opposed to government ownership in the Unites States. It draws water from approximately 100 reservoirs along 16 river basins. Its maximum output is approximately 4,000 mega watts (MW). The only operating nuclear

Antietam Battle Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Antietam Battle Analysis - Essay Example Besides, the growth and development of democratic ideas forced the Northern States to fight against the Southern states which was under the influence of slavery, forced labor and slave trade. The battle of Antietam can be considered as a turning point in history of the struggle for freedom and individual liberty in America. Still, the victory of the Union forces under the direct leadership of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan proves the importance of military tactics, experience and single minded dedication in the battle field. On the other side, the Confederate forces failed to defeat the Union forces because they did not provide ample importance to military tactics and waited for reinforcement forces. In short, the battle of Antietam led the Americans, especially the African American slaves, towards freedom from slavery and forced labor. The Battle of Antietam occurred on 17 September 1862, in and the surrounding areas of Sharpsburg. The other areas include Maryland and Antietam Creek. The battle occurred between the Confederate forces (Confederate States Army) and Union forces (Union Army) in the American mainland. This battle is generally considered as a turning point in the American Civil War, which ignited the spirit of freedom among the slaves, especially the African Americans in America. The Confederate side was led by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army was under the direct control of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan. ... Besides, the Battle of Antietam was a single-day battle but it resulted in high casualty. Both the opposing sides were forced to suffer heavy loss because thousands of deaths were reported. But the lack of planning related to warfare techniques hindered the Union Army from destroying the Southern Army. To be specific, Union forces possessed enough resources to destroy the Southern side. But lack of planning from the side of McClellan helped the Southern Army to have ample time to withdraw from the battlefield. Eventually, the Southern forces withdrew from Maryland to Virginia. On the other side, the Southern side’s decision to withdraw from Maryland helped Abraham Lincoln to announce and implement the decision to prohibit slavery and free the slaves in America. So, one can see that the Antietam Battle eventually led America to be a unified federation, which is against slavery and in favor of democratic ideas. Some of the resources used in this work include: Battle of Antietam: The Bloodiest Day by Ted Alexander, Grant and Lee: Victorious American and Vanquished Virginian by Edward H. Bonekemper, and Historical Atlas of the United States, with Original Maps by Derek Hayes. Review Strategic Setting: As pointed out, Antietam Battle ignited the spirit of democratic though and changed the general opinion on slavery and forced labor. The immediate cause of the battle is interconnected with the clash between the southern and Northern states in America on slavery, forced labor, and slave trade. Stephen W. Sears claims that â€Å"The realities of Antietam were brought home to the Northern citizenry more vividly than any previous battle† (Sears 2003, 20).1 The