New York City steam system

[2][3] Today, Con Edison operates the largest commercial steam system in the world (larger than the next nine combined).

[4] The organization within Con Edison responsible for the system's operation, known as Steam Operations, provides steam service to over 1,700 commercial and residential customers in Manhattan from Battery Park to 96th Street uptown on the west side, and 89th Street on the east side of Manhattan.

[7] Cogeneration and Heat Recovery Steam Generation (HRSG) significantly increase the fuel efficiency of cogenerated electricity and thereby reduce the emission of pollutants, such as NOx, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, as well as the city's carbon footprint.

Con Edison is promoting the use of steam for cooling in the summer months, something that can be accomplished with the installation of absorption chillers.

[9] The most recent major incident was the 2018 steam pipe explosion which occurred in the Flatiron District and forced the evacuation of 49 buildings.

[12][13] A previous incident was the 2007 New York City steam explosion, and another on June 28, 1996, at a plant on East 74th Street.

Steam vapor visible above the buildings on William Street between Maiden Lane and Liberty Street in New York City in the early 20th century.
Steam vapor being vented through a typical Con Edison orange and white stack on Seventh Avenue at 20th Street
East 74th Street plant
West 59th Street plant