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Even More Electricity Myths, Hoaxes and Rumors (Plus a few Amazing True Stories)

Dec. 2, 2021
We are here again to set apart fact from fiction with some myths, hoaxes, rumors and weird true stories about the electric utility industry.

A lie can get around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes. Mark Twain said that. Or did he? After a quick search, it looks like even this quote is apocryphal. But it is truer than ever in the age of social media hoaxes and widespread conspiracies.

Even the world of electric power is no exception. Hoaxes, urban legends and misinformation abound about how electricity gets made, transmitted and used. 

And of course every now and then, an unbelievable story turns out to be completely true. Can you tell which is which?

About the Author

Jeff Postelwait | Managing Editor

Jeff Postelwait is a writer and editor with a background in newspapers and online editing who has been writing about the electric utility industry since 2008. Jeff is senior editor for T&D World magazine and sits on the advisory board of the T&D World Conference and Exhibition. Utility Products, Power Engineering, Powergrid International and Electric Light & Power are some of the other publications in which Jeff's work has been featured. Jeff received his degree in journalism news editing from Oklahoma State University and currently operates out of Oregon.

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Related

Land of giants
June 21, 2016
The rumor mill never dies, and the hoaxes and myths are either started or continue to be perpetuated. Electricity has more than its fair share of mysteries and urban legends.
Ben Franklin
Sept. 23, 2014
Transmission & Distribution World's version of "Mythbusters," this gallery looks at several hoaxes, rumors or scams that have been floating around the industry.