As an expert in the field of electrical history, I can provide an insightful perspective on the advent of electricity usage. The journey of electricity into our daily lives is a fascinating one, filled with innovation and transformation.

**The Dawn of Electricity: Early Discoveries and Theories**
The use of electricity, in a broader sense, dates back to ancient times when people noticed static electricity from rubbing materials together or from lightning strikes. However, the systematic study and application of electricity began much later. In the 17th and 18th centuries, scientists like William Gilbert and Benjamin Franklin made significant strides in understanding electricity, with Franklin's famous kite experiment demonstrating the electrical nature of lightning.

**The Invention of the Battery: A Milestone**
The invention of the battery by Alessandro Volta in 1800 was a pivotal moment. Volta's "Voltaic Pile" allowed for a continuous flow of electric current, which was a critical step towards practical applications of electricity.

**The Age of Invention: Harnessing Electricity**
The 19th century was a period of intense innovation. In 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, a principle that would become the basis for electric generators and transformers. This discovery was soon followed by the development of the dynamo by Siemens in 1866, which was capable of producing a steady supply of electricity.

**The Advent of Practical Electricity: Illumination and Power**
The late 19th century marked the beginning of practical electricity usage. Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were key figures in this era, with Edison's development of a practical incandescent light bulb in 1879 and Tesla's contributions to alternating current (AC) electrical systems. Edison's Pearl Street Station in New York City, which began operating in 1882, is often cited as the first instance of a centralized power station providing electricity to homes and businesses.

**The Spread of Electricity: From Luxury to Necessity**
Initially, electricity was indeed a luxury, accessible only to the wealthy who could afford private generators. However, as the infrastructure for electrical power distribution expanded and the cost of production decreased, electricity became more widely available. By the early 20th century, many urban areas had electrical grids, and by the mid-20th century, electricity had become an essential part of everyday life in industrialized countries.

**The Modern Era: Universal Access and New Frontiers**
The spread of electricity continued throughout the 20th century, with rural electrification projects bringing power to remote areas. Today, electricity is nearly ubiquitous, and we are exploring new frontiers such as renewable energy sources and smart grids to make our use of electricity more sustainable and efficient.

In conclusion, the use of electricity has evolved from a scientific curiosity to an indispensable part of modern life. The journey from the first sparks of understanding to the widespread use of electricity is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress.

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Electrification happened gradually from around the 1880s to the 1960s. At the beginning, electricity was a luxury, and only the super rich could purchase it in the form of local generators; however from then until the 1960s, availability of electricity gradually spread, and the cost become more affordable.read more >>