The Pearl Street Station was opened on Pearl Street in New York City and was a groundbreaking facility in the realm of electric power generation. Developed by Thomas Edison and his team, the station utilized direct current (DC) generators to produce electricity for local users, which included prominent businesses, streetlights, and private residences. With its operational capacity, the station could generate around 1000 kilowatts of power and had a network that served approximately 400 customers within a one-square-mile area.

Edison’s focus on direct current technology was pivotal in laying the foundations of electric power distribution, leading to a transformation in urban living. As residents and business owners experienced the convenience and efficiency of electric lighting, the demand for electric power surged. Pearl Street Station served as a prototype, showcasing the potential for widespread electrification and encouraging similar initiatives in other cities across the United States and then globally.

The establishment of the Pearl Street Station was not just a technological achievement; it also set the stage for future developments in energy infrastructure. Edison’s innovations in the design and operation of the plant provided essential learnings that would influence the operations of subsequent power plants, and it would lead to significant discussions about the future of electricity — including competing systems of AC vs. DC and the sprawling electrical grids that we see today.