Re: Isn't electricity per se terribly inefficient?

The short answer is "it depends on the application."  There is a great deal
of wasted energy from the fuel stage to our homes.  However, much of this 
loss is due to the way in which the fuel is used.  In most cases, it 
doesn't matter if coal, or oil, or nuclear fuel is used, the process is the
 same - burn the fuel to create steam; use the steam to turn a turbine.  
This is not very efficient.  And yes, there are losses along the 
transmission line. The most inefficient use of electricity is to turn it 
into heat.  So, gas heat is definitely more preferable.

There are many reasons why electric trains are more common instead of 
diesel trains.  Some are: noise; pullution; and maintenance.  These are all
worse in diesel engines as compared to electric engines.  Also, by using
electric engines there is a reduction in weight - due to the engine itself
and the fact that you don't have to carry tons of fuel.

Electric cars have several advantages over gasoline powered cars.  Just as
is the case with train engines, the weight reduction due to an electric
engine is significant.  Most electric car engine designs don't require
quarts of lubricating oil for pistons (typically, there are no pistons or
oil).  Electric engines are easier to maintain and very reliable.  In
general, electric engines are very efficient.  The real problem is to find
a portable electric source that can last for more than a few hundred
kilometers before it needs recharging.

The inefficiency with electricity is due to long transmission distances, 
the manner in which it is produced, and its use (i.e., don't turn it into 
heat).