Graphic view of the steam distribution system (PDF format)

The New York Steam Company began providing service in lower Manhattan in 1882. Today, Con Edison operates the largest steam system in the world. The system contains approximately 105 miles of mains and service pipes and 3,000 steam manholes. Steam is provided from seven Con Edison steam-generating plants, five in Manhattan, one in Queens, and one in Brooklyn, along with receiving steam under contract from a steam plant at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Con Edison's steam system provides service to more than 1,800 customers in Manhattan from the Battery to 96th Street.

Our commercial and residential customers use steam for heating, hot water, and air conditioning.

The winter peak sendout is nearly 12.5 million pounds per hour.

Steam sales account for about 7 percent of total Con Edison revenues.

Steam traveling through Con Edison's system is used to heat and cool some of New York's most famous addresses – the United Nations complex, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are just a few.

Con Edison received the System of the Year award for the year 2000 from the International District Energy Association.


Visit the Con Edison Steam Business Unit web site