Matthew Handy invents an energy counter that is able to measure energy use from each house in Tipsville. When Matthew decides to use his invention, he is alarmed to find that the citizens consume electricity in a completely irresponsible and excessive manner. Matthew intends to warn them about the dangers of over taxing the electrical network but he only receives reproaches on his conduct. On the following day, there is a huge blackout which is a consequence of over-usage. The citizens get angry over all the things that they can't do without electricity and they decide to come together to protest in front of the office of Mayor Cleanhands. At the same time that Matthew tries to resolve the problem, Patty Handy, is able to calm down the citizens and tells them of the necessity of changing their habits on the usage of electricity so that the entire city can enjoy their regular activities, by way of a news show using a megaphone from the mayor's window reviving the tradition of informing the public using live speeches.