Although I think the Papoulis - Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes is a great book, there is another book with a somewhat less theoretical approach you might want to have a look at - Miller and Freund - Probability and Statistics for Engineers.
Good Luck.
Since you are an electrical engineer you know what "Thevenin" means. If you measure the open circuit voltage at the terminals and you measure the short circuit current you can determine Z, the thevenin source impedance from Z=V(open circuit)/I(short circuit). That Z can be formed by many...
Great analysis, Peter. Particularly your point about connecting the power factor correction capacitor(s) directly across the inductive motor so that they are only in the circuit when the motor is switched on. Now, multiply that exercise for every inductive motor in the home -the compressor...