These days it seems like everyone is cutting cords, and wireless technology is quickly becoming the standard. We’ve got wireless phones, cameras, and Wi-Fi that can deliver an Internet connection just about anywhere. So it’s only natural that scientists would turn their attention to wireless electricity at some point. 

Imagine not having to plug in to get power. Or homes that don’t need to be connected to electric lines. But is it more of a sci-fi fantasy than a possible reality? Let’s find out!

Wireless Power Isn’t a New Idea

Some people may think that wireless electricity is a novel concept that has come about in the modern Internet Era. But those people would be wrong. Scientists, physicists, and engineers have been working on wireless power for over 130 years. 

Nikola Tesla was among the first to toy around with the idea of creating a system that could wirelessly transmit power. His attempts lead to the creation of the Tesla coil that can produce up to a million volts of electricity. That is the amount needed to transmit electricity wirelessly. Tesla even built the now-famous Wardenclyffe Tower in 1901 with the goal of transmitting electricity from it. 

Where We’re At With Wireless Electricity Today

Tesla laid a very firm groundwork for wireless electricity long ago, which begs the question “why don’t we have wireless electricity today?” 

Although Tesla was very optimistic about the adoption of wireless electricity, his investors were less impressed with the way things were progressing. J.P. Morgan (who funded Tesla’s wireless electricity experiments) pulled the plug on it by defunding the project. Advancements were stopped short, and Tesla’s tower was demolished.

That could have been the end of Tesla’s wild notion that he could transmit electricity wirelessly, essentially for free. But it’s a concept that’s just too enticing to ignore.

Tesla himself realized that transmitting electricity through airwaves proved to be virtually impossible beyond a short distance. However, he discovered the ground was a much better conductor for his methods. Using metal rods buried in the ground, Tesla claimed he was able to power on lightbulbs that were hundreds of feet away from his lab.

Scientists today think wireless electricity is possible, but few agree with Tesla’s approach. They say magnetic induction and microwaves are the keys to transmitting energy wirelessly. Researchers around the world, including a group from Stanford University, are working towards putting the final pieces of the puzzle in place. 

Wireless electricity transmission is actually being used on very small scales right now. For several years, physicists have been able to power multiple devices wirelessly without a direct line of sight for up to 30 feet. Furthermore, the devices being charged were in motion. This was achieved through magnetic resonance coupling, feedback resistors, and voltage amplifiers.

For researchers at Stanford, distance isn’t the issue as much as the amount of power being transmitted. Once they are able to transmit larger quantities of energy and produce wireless power receivers, the researchers believe it is possible for wireless electricity to be used in real-world settings. And it’s a possibility that isn’t far away. There are ongoing wireless electricity projects that hope to produce tangible results by 2031. 

The Advantages of Wireless Power Transmission

Is wireless power something that’s even worth pursuing? Is it worth the hassle to completely transform the electric system across the U.S.? The short answer is – yes.

No More Cords

The most obvious and immediate advantage of wireless power transmission is getting rid of the tangle of cords that keep devices shackled to an electric outlet. They would no longer be needed since electricity is delivered through the air. Not only is it more aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also safer with fewer cords around. 

Wireless Power Transmission Could Decrease Electricity Costs

One of the biggest advantages of wireless power transmission is its promise of free electricity. While electricity wouldn’t be free (it still has to be generated after all), there’s a good chance it would cost less eventually.

The infrastructure for buildings would cost less if electricians didn’t need to wire the whole property. Maintenance of the electric system would be reduced, which decreases the expense of delivering electricity. There would even be less need for technicians to serve as meter readers. 

Implementing new technology typically costs more upfront, but as it’s adopted and becomes more widespread prices tend to decrease even lower than they started. 

Electricity Could Reach More Places

It’s hard to believe, but there are still many places on this Earth where electricity isn’t readily available. Getting electricity to some structures is extremely difficult due to lack of infrastructure, environmental challenges or both. If electricity can be transmitted through the air it would bring power to millions of people throughout the world. 

Electric Cars Could Charge as They Drive

Another major invention of the last century was electric vehicles (EVs). Despite misgivings, demand for electric cars has steadily increased in recent years as concerns over climate change and gas prices have risen. If wireless electricity transmission were possible electric vehicles could charge as they are driven. How far an EV can go on a charge would be a non-issue. 

Less Toxic Waste

Disposable batteries are serious pollutants. In the U.S. alone, almost 3 billion batteries are thrown away each year. The toxic materials inside can leak out and contaminate the soil or water. With wireless power, it’s possible to develop batteries that can be recharged over and over again while in use, thus greatly reducing the number of batteries that need to be made and eventually discarded. 
While we wait on wireless electricity to become a reality, Provider Power can help you tap into the electric grid with the flip of a switch. Just input your zip code to find available electricity plans in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Up until a few weeks ago, the term social distancing wasn’t a part of everyday conversation. It was a concept that few people had the first-hand experience with, but now it’s a reality for millions in the USA and around the world. In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, people are following a stay at home mandates and self-quarantine initiatives in an effort to stop the spread. 

The tips below can help you take social distancing measures without feeling the effects of isolation. 

Replace Social Visits With Video Chatting

If you’re one of the thousands of people who got an Echo for the holidays you may want to send the gift-giver a thank you card. When people were told to stay at home for over two weeks, platforms like Facetime and Echo became a social lifeline that provides face-to-face discussions that are one step away from in-person interactions.

And people aren’t just video chatting one-on-one. Some people are arranging video chat happy hours and dinners with a group of family and friends. You have to make dinner and drinks yourself, but it’s better than feeling like a social outcast. 

Want to organize a virtual movie night? Then check out the Netflix Party Chrome extension. Discord is another option that can allow a group of users to share the screen of one person who’s streaming a movie. 

Zoom use has skyrocketed in recent weeks primarily among professionals and students. The app is designed for work functions and has had high-profile plugs from entertainers like Howard Stern that are producing shows remotely. The video conferencing platform also has special features like filters and backgrounds that take video chatting up a level.

Take a Walk, But Keep Your Distance

It’s kind of amazing how little Americans walk these days. A few years ago researchers like Tom Vanderbilt pointed out that Americans walk less than any other industrialized nation. Part of the reason we stopped walking is the technology that limits the need to travel on foot. Health experts are concerned that quarantining at home isn’t going to help the problem.

If you aren’t at high risk for severe COVID19 illness and keep a safe distance from others (6+ feet), taking a walk won’t break the social distancing rules. Most state parks and trails are closed, but even a quick walk around your neighborhood can be beneficial. The fresh air is good for your pulmonary health and mental state. And walking is actually a great form of exercise that just about anyone can do for free. 

Take a Virtual Class

Catching up on the streaming shows you’ve fallen behind on isn’t the only way to be productive during the self-quarantine period. As many school children can tell you, remote learning is the new norm. 

There are virtual classes for virtually every interest, hobby, and profession. You can take an online driver’s education, join a yoga group or learn how to cook a new dish. At the end of the quarantine, you can at least say you learned something new.   

A few more of our top social distancing tips include:

• Meditate for five minutes a day – that’s long enough to realize the mind-calming benefits and ease anxiety.
• Order an adult coloring book online to tap into your creative side.
• Read up on how to teleconference with your medical team. It’s a good idea any time you may be contagious.
• Watch a familiar show or movie if you’re home alone. The familiar voices can be soothing even if they come from the TV.
• Going for a bike ride is another way to get exercise without coming into contact with others.

Provider Power is dedicated to serving our customers during the COVID19 outbreak. We have taken measures to enable our customer service agents to work remotely so that they can stay safe while providing the exemplary assistance you’ve come to expect.

Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts – those six states make up what’s known as New England. That’s your first tip for moving to the area. Many people mistakenly think that New England includes the entire northeastern part of the U.S., but locals will quickly correct them. 

One caveat about moving to New England is seasonality. If you plan to move during the winter you’ll have to account for potentially harsh weather conditions that make things a little more difficult. And fall can actually be very busy with people who are leaf-peeping. The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is one of the most popular leaf-peeping spots in the country. 

Moving is never an easy-going process, but being prepared does make it easier. The checklist below will help you make a move to New England no matter what time of year you plan to relocate. 

Packing

Packing is by far the most tedious moving task that people don’t look forward to doing. The trick is to get started early so that you can take it little by little in an organized manner. The more organized you are during the packing process the quicker it will be to unpack. 

Supplies

• Boxes (boxes and more boxes)
• Specialty boxes for electronics
• Packing tape
• Sharpie marker (for labeling)
• Newspapers or packing paper
• Bubble wrap

Travel Bag

• Few sweaters (it’s usually sweater weather in New England)
• Snow boots (if you’re moving in the winter)
• Medications and prescriptions
• IDs
• Layers of clothing (dressing in layers is a good idea most of the year)
• Phone chargers       
• Personal devices

First Night Box

• Blankets
• Towels
• Washcloths
• Shower curtain with hangers
• Toilet paper
• Paper plates
• Toiletries 
• Flashlight 
• Trash bags
• Basic toolset
• Sheets and pillowcases
• Blankets

Loading and Unloading

• Know whether there are any special circumstances like a steep driveway (which is somewhat common in New England) that will affect where the moving truck can be parked.
• Have a snow shovel on hand – if it’s winter you’ll need one to clear entryways to the house.
• A moving dolly is a much safer way to move heavy and bulky items whether or not walkways are iced over.

Transport

How will you get all of your things to New England? Whether you make a DIY move or hire professional movers below are a few things that need to be done.

Moving Truck

• Estimate the space needed. There are calculators online that can give you an estimate based on the number of boxes or rooms in your home.
• Make sure the mover you hire is registered with the Department of Transportation and has a U.S. DOT number for moving across state lines. The DOT search tool can be used to verify the information.
• Schedule the moving truck to arrive the day you plan to leave and get to the destination the day of or the day after you arrive. Do this about a month in advance if you’re moving during the busy summer season.

Personal Vehicles 

• Get snow/winter tires if moving during the winter months.
• Do a safety inspection to check the fluids, hoses, tires and more.
• Load up jewelry, computers, documents and other sensitive items in your own vehicle that you’re driving.
• Know the vehicle registration laws. You should have a grace period, but vehicle registration needs to be arranged within 2-4 weeks of moving.

Traveling

• Chart a course. One thing to be aware of with a tall moving truck is that overpasses can be just 9’ tall in some areas. 
• Line up hotels in advance if you have any special needs, like needing pet-friendly accommodations.
• Get a lay of the land. Some New England cities, like Boston, have a somewhat baffling street layout. 

Residential Setup

With so much going on for the move it’s easy to forget that things need to be set up at your new home. You don’t have to get everything arranged in advance, but you will want to handle the to-dos below.

Utilities 

• If your new home is in a deregulated energy market you can choose the energy plan you want. To get the best plan you’ll need to compare rates and features. It’s also important to verify that the provider is licensed to operate in the state. 
• Water services are typically available through the local government. Check the city website for details on how to initiate service.

Trash Collection

• Trash collection is another service that’s usually set up through the local government.
• Recycling may be handled by a third-party provider that’s independent of the city. 

Mail 

• The easiest way to change your mailing address is online at USPS.com/move.
• Schedule mailing address changes to take effect a day or two before your move so that mail doesn’t end up being delivered to your old address. 
• To make sure you know where your mail is by signing up for the USPS Informed Delivery service. The USPS will send email updates about what mail is scheduled to be delivered each day.

Pets 

• Get documents and records from your current veterinarian. 
• Give your pets extra love and attention. Moving can be stressful for animals.
• Line up pet-friendly hotels if moving by vehicle will take more than one day.

Congrats! You’re ready to move to New England. Now grab yourself a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and get ready for all the unpacking. 

Need to set up electricity in New Hampshire, Massachusetts or Maine? Provider Power is a New England-owned leading supplier of electricity.  It’s Power with a Purpose!