Edison ElectricIn 1880, the Edison Electric Illuminating Company was incorporated for the purpose of providing electric light to New York City. It was capitalized with $1,000,000. The first central electric station in the U.S. was opened by this company on 4 Sep 1882 at 257 Pearl St. in lower Manhattan. It had one engine, capable of generating power for 800 light bulbs. Within 14 months, the service had 508 subscribers and 12,732 bulbs. The company was the prototype for other local illuminating companies that were established in the United States during the 1880s. Edison's earlier Electric Light Company was incorporated 15 Oct 1878 for the purpose of financing Edison's invention of the incandescent lamp.Image: Interior of the Pearl Street Central Station, ca. 1880s. |
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