The Electric Chair Was a PR Stunt?! (And Other Crimes of Edison)
- Larry Peters
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 5

By Big Rock Power – where we keep your bills honest and your history shocking
🔌 Wait… Edison Did What Now?
Let’s talk about a lesser-known — and honestly jaw-dropping — chapter in electricity’s history. You’ve probably heard of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, right? Two brilliant inventors, both determined to light up the world. But this isn't just a battle of brains.
This is the War of Currents — and it had everything: drama, sabotage, and, yes, even a death chair used as a PR stunt.
⚡ AC vs. DC: The Ultimate Throwdown
Back in the late 1800s, Tesla (with George Westinghouse) was promoting alternating current (AC) — the kind of electricity most of us use today. Meanwhile, Edison was dead set on direct current (DC).
But here’s the kicker: instead of letting the best tech win, Edison decided to go full reality-TV villain. To prove AC was dangerous, he backed the invention of the electric chair — and made sure it used AC just to scare people away from it.
We’re not making this up.
💀 The First “Demonstration” Wasn’t a Science Fair
In 1890, the first electric chair execution happened — powered by AC. Edison didn’t invent the chair himself, but he supported the idea just to tank Tesla’s credibility.
It was graphic. It was public. And it was pure PR warfare.
Luckily, the public (eventually) realized that AC was not the enemy — in fact, it was safer, more efficient, and better suited to homes and businesses. Tesla’s ideas won. But Edison’s antics? Legendary.
🧠 So, Why Should You Care?
Because electricity still comes with a lot of confusion and spin. Whether it’s outdated rates, mystery fees, or energy plans that are harder to read than a tractor manual, we get it — the system isn’t always transparent.
That’s where Big Rock Power comes in. No tricks. No PR stunts. Just straight-up electricity and natural gas plans designed for Albertans — especially the ones who know how to balance a cheque book and a grain auger.
💬 Want to Geek Out More (and Save Money While You’re At It)?
We love a good power story — but we love helping you save on your power bill even more.
🔎 Check out our current rates, including our limited-time 6.5¢/kWh offer for those stuck on the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR).
📘 And hey, if you’re a farmer, we wrote you a whole Farmer’s Guide to Electricity in Alberta. It’s free. It’s fun. And it could help you keep more hay in your wallet.
Comments