In this paper we review applications given by J H Poynting (1884) on the transfer of electromagnetic
energy in DC circuits. These examples were strongly criticized by O Heaviside (1887). Heaviside
stated that Poynting had a misconception about the nature of the electric field in the vicinity of a
wire through which a current flows. The historical review of this conflict and its resolution based
on the consideration of electrical charges on the surface of the wires can be useful for student
courses on electromagnetism or circuit theory.