Society for Electrical Development

Society for Electrical Development. The Society for Electrical Development was a pivotal trade association established in the early 20th century to advocate for the expansion and standardization of the electric power industry in the United States. Founded in 1910, it played a crucial role in transforming electricity from a novelty into a ubiquitous utility through coordinated national marketing, educational campaigns, and technical advocacy. Its efforts significantly influenced the growth patterns of public utilities, appliance manufacturing, and domestic electrification prior to its dissolution in 1933.

History

The organization was formed in 1910, a period of rapid but fragmented growth in the American electrical industry following pioneering work by inventors like Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. Its creation was driven by utility executives and manufacturers who recognized the need for a centralized body to overcome market stagnation and promote the benefits of alternating current systems. Key early meetings were held in New York City, with influential backing from figures associated with the National Electric Light Association. The Society operated actively through the 1910s and 1920s, a time that included the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties and the subsequent onset of the Great Depression. It was formally dissolved in 1933, with many of its functions absorbed by the newly formed Edison Electric Institute and other sector groups like the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Objectives and activities

The primary mission was to stimulate demand for electrical energy and standardize equipment across the nation. It launched extensive national advertising campaigns, often collaborating with publications like The Saturday Evening Post, to promote the use of electric lighting and home appliances such as electric irons and vacuum cleaners. A major technical focus was advocating for the standardization of voltage and frequency to ensure compatibility between appliances from different manufacturers and power from various utilities. The Society also produced educational materials for schools, sponsored exhibitions at events like the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and conducted economic research to demonstrate the value of electrification to businesses and municipal governments.

Organizational structure

The Society was governed by an executive committee and board of directors drawn from the highest levels of the utility and manufacturing sectors. It maintained its headquarters in New York City, strategically located near major financial and corporate centers. Membership was composed of corporate entities rather than individuals, including prominent electric utility companies, manufacturers of generators and transformers, and firms producing end-use appliances. Funding was derived from dues based on member company revenue, which financed its ambitious marketing and research divisions. The organization often worked in concert with other groups, including the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the Illuminating Engineering Society, on specific technical and promotional projects.

Key figures and leadership

Among its most influential leaders was Samuel Insull, the powerful chairman of Commonwealth Edison in Chicago, whose utility empire exemplified the growth the Society championed. Charles A. Coffin, the first president of the General Electric company, was another foundational figure, providing crucial support from the manufacturing side. Bernard E. Sunny, who served as the Society's long-time managing director, was the operational architect of many of its national campaigns. Other notable supporters included Owen D. Young, another chairman of General Electric, and various executives from companies like Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Allis-Chalmers.

Impact and legacy

The Society's campaigns were instrumental in accelerating the adoption of household electricity, helping to increase the percentage of wired American homes dramatically throughout the 1920s. Its push for standardization was critical in creating a unified national power grid and enabling the mass production of compatible appliances. The organization's dissolution during the Great Depression coincided with major reforms under the New Deal, including the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Its legacy is evident in the modern, interconnected North American power transmission grid and the enduring trade associations that continue to shape policy, such as the Edison Electric Institute and the Electric Power Research Institute.

Category:Organizations based in New York City Category:American electrical organizations Category:Organizations established in 1910 Category:Organizations disestablished in 1933