Every time you flip a light switch in New York City, you’re tapping into one of the most complex power systems in the world. But where does that electricity actually come from — and how does it get to your apartment outlet?

In the video We Learned About Electricity So You Don’t Have To, creator Jack Coyne of Public Opinion takes us behind the scenes of NYC’s power grid — from Con Edison’s underground control centers to a hydroelectric plant in upstate New York.

👉 Watch the full video here:

Con Edison: The Backbone of NYC Power

  • Founded in 1824, Con Edison is older than the lightbulb itself.
  • It no longer generates electricity — instead, it distributes power from plants across the region.
  • NYC’s grid is a mix of overhead lines (outer boroughs) and 100% underground lines (Manhattan).
  • Operators in Con Ed’s Manhattan control center monitor every distribution feeder in real-time, turning circuits on and off as needed.

The History of Power in New York

  • 1880s: Thomas Edison’s coal-fired Pearl Street Station powered lower Manhattan.
  • Lewis Latimer’s invention of the carbon filament made the lightbulb practical, ushering in the city’s nightlife.
  • Maps from the 19th century show dozens of small power stations scattered across New York.

How Electricity Is Generated Today

At its core, electricity comes from the relationship between magnetism and motion. Spinning turbines — whether powered by coal, natural gas, steam, water, or wind — create electrical current.

  • Downstate Power (NYC/Long Island): In 2022, 95% came from fossil fuels, while less than 5% came from renewables.
  • Upstate Power: More renewable-heavy, with hydropower playing a major role.

A Visit to New York’s Hydropower Plant

Coyne’s team gained rare access to the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in upstate New York.

  • Uses two reservoirs (upper and lower) to store and generate power.
  • Pumps water uphill at night when demand is low, then releases it downhill during peak hours to spin turbines.
  • Can restart the entire NY State grid during a blackout, making it one of the most important facilities in the state.

Why It Matters

  • Reliability: Thousands of workers maintain NYC’s power daily, from electricians in Brooklyn to engineers at upstate plants.
  • Future Goals: By 2040, New York State aims for 100% clean electricity, with more offshore wind, solar, and upgraded transmission lines.
  • Conservation: Even as technology evolves, one lesson remains timeless: don’t waste energy. As one engineer put it, “Turn off the lights when you leave the room.”

Bottom Line

Electricity in New York City isn’t magic — it’s the result of centuries of innovation, massive infrastructure, and the daily work of thousands of people. From coal-fired plants in the 1800s to hydroelectric storage today, the grid is constantly evolving to power the city that never sleeps.

👉 Credit: Public Opinion by Jack Coyne. Watch the full video here: We Learned About Electricity So You Don’t Have To