When did the first public electric power stations open in London and New York City?

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The first public electric power stations in London and New York City both began operations in 1882.

  • London: The first public power station employing an electric generator began operation in London in January 1882. Additionally, a temporary, demonstration central power system was installed at the Holborn Viaduct in London in the fall of 1881.12
  • New York City: Thomas Edison’s Pearl Street Station, the first permanent, commercial central power system in lower Manhattan, became operative on September 4, 1882. A second public station opened in New York City later that same year.321

Both cities initially utilized direct current (DC) systems, which were later superseded by the more efficient alternating current (AC) for long-distance transmission.41