.

RATIONALE: Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your

research problem and explain why this research is important and if applicable,
explain any societal impact of your research.
In many ways the United States is based heavily in the sectors of industry and
technically research. To use all of the tools that are needed in the fields using
computers and other technological machines, electricity is needed. In the US,
there is many ways that electricity is produced for the mass public and other
sectors of the economy to use. Some states rely on coal produced electricity,
while others have produced more based of Nuclear energy. I wish to create a
project to find the most economical way to produce energy. The price of
electricity in states is different for all and it could be based off of the different
ways they produce and use energy. With these findings, the way to maximize
profits and reliable energy consumption could be found.
b. RESEARCH QUESTION(S),
Will the cost of energy directly connect to the way in which it is produced by
state?
HYPOTHESIS(ES),
The cost of electricity will depend on the percentage production of different
sources of electricity.
ENGINEERING GOAL(S),
My goal is to find the connection between source and cost for the consumption of
electricity. It will help to allow energy providers know what type of energy
production is the most expensive for consumers.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
I expect there to be a clear distinction in price between states where the
production of electricity comes from different sources.
How is this based on the rationale described above?
This is based on the thought that some ways to produce electricity are cheaper
(Oil, coal, etc.) and therefore the states in which these are the majority sources
of electricity, the overall price will be cheaper.
c. Describe the following in detail:
Procedure
1. Acquire all of the percentages of electricity sources by state
2. Acquire all of the average prices of electricity by sector of each state
3. Create table that lists the states with the highest average price of
electricity
4. Create table that lists the states with the lowest average price of
electricity
5. Create table that lists the top states percentage wise in each type of
electrical source (Coal, oil, nuclear, etc.)
6. Study the connections of price and source percentage

7. Create the list of cheapest price of electricity where each source is the
most used
8. Conclude in which power source is the cheapest for consumers and
providers
Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.
There is no risk factors or safety risks because it is a fully statistical study.
Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
I will create many different tables which list prices of electricity and the
percentages in which each state uses different sources of electricity (Listed in
Procedure) I will use these to find which states are the most beneficial to helping
consumers pay the least for electricity by providing it from a certain source.
d. BIBLIOGRAPHY: List major references (e.g. science journal articles, books,
internet site)
http://www.eia.gov
http://www.usenergyservices.com
http://www.we-energies.com
http://energy.gov
http://www.npr.org
http://www.uraniumenergy.com
http://nma.org
http://www.awea.org