About Thomas Edison's Pearl Street
(adapted from The Economist, December 31st, 1999)

    The Pearl Street power station went into operation in 1882 in New York City and is considered the world's first central electricity generating station. It was built and operated by the Edison Electric Light Co., founded by Thomas Edison.  After Pearl Street was opened, Edison waged a full-scale intellectual and market-based war with Nicola Tesla and Westinghouse over the benefits of delivering power via DC  (direct current), which Edison promoted, or AC (alternating current), which Tesla invented and which was promoted by Westinghouse.  Eventually AC won out over DC because it is a more efficient way of transmitting power over long distances. 

    Edison was not the first to have thought of using electricity for lighting, and, in fact, electric arc-lighting had been used in large public spaces and factories for years.  And, contrary to popular belief, Edison did not make the first light bulb or the even the first generator.  Furthermore, as we have seen above, electricity today is transmitted via the AC system which was invented by Tesla, not Edison.  What Thomas Edison did do, however, was see the big picture. Edison was the first person to make both the bulb and the generator commercially viable, combine them, and demonstrate the enormous benefits of large-scale electrification. (see illustrations below)  His was the genius that was able to put the puzzle pieces together to make the whole system work.  And today he is celebrated and remembered as the man who made the ubiquitous use of electricity possible.

    We chose the name Pearl Street for our company because we, like Edison, believe in the power of the "big picture."  With a deep respect for the history of the electricity industry, a strong foundation in the engineering and technical issues facing our industry, and a knowledge of and appreciation for the many economic and structural changes taking place in the industry today, Pearl Street is uniquely positioned to put the puzzle pieces together to uncover and develop opportunities and deliver value to our clients. 

Click to read about Edison's Pearl Street Station and the beginnings of bulk electricity.

Click here for a listing of more interesting links and information on Thomas Edison.