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Chronological List of District Heating
Systems in the United States |
The Home Heating and
Lighting Company was incorporated on July 30, 1909 and built a steam
system that began operating later that year. The system became part
of the Minnesota Power and Light Company and was shut down on June 30,
1975.
References
1911 "City's
Central Heating Plant," The Duluth Herald, February 25,
1911, Page 10.
First in Northwest, and Has Been Satisfactory and Economical
Eveleth has a central heating plant, the only one in operation on the
range, and the first to be established in the Northwest. The success of
this plant has been such that a similar system has been adopted by
Hibbing. For the present the service in Eveleth is confined to the closely
built-up business section of the city, although many in the residence
districts are seeking the service.
The central heating plant is serving a considerable portion of Grant
avenue, the main business thoroughfare, which is two blocks from the
plant. A two-pipe system is used, similar to that for hot water. On the
return main is carried a 10-inch vacuum and on the steam main there is
one-pound pressure. The steam and air and condensation Is drawn through
the radiators for heating and is then returned to the central plant. All
the consumer has to do is to regulate the temperature. To reduce or
increase the heat he has only to partially close or open the valve on the
radiator.
Eveleth people are enthusiastic over their heating system, which has been
in use two winters. The users say that the saving over individual heaters
enables them in two or three years to reimburse themselves for the cost of
installing the new system. Many more applications are on file for the heat
than can be filled. All of the users talked to by the writer agreed that
It is the most satisfactory and economical heating plant so far devised.
About a dozen applications have recently been made for an extension of the
heating system to the residence section. Residents want the steam mains
extended. At the present time, however, the day load at the electric light
plant, from which the heating system Is operated, Is not sufficient to
handle any more heating business.
For this reason the lighting and heating company has decided to offer
special inducements to manufacturers and to make low rates for electric
power during the day in order to supply more heat through an increase in
the electric load and consequent increase in exhaust steam.
Originally, it was expected to furnish heat from the central plant by
using the exhaust steam from the engines generating electricity. As it is,
the company Is compelled to supply live steam for about eighteen hours out
of the twenty-four. By increasing the electric load in the daytime to
individual horse power users the company will be enabled to use the
exhaust steam as well and thus increase its heating service, which would
be a distinct benefit to the city.
A reduction has been made of from 15 to 20 per cent in the prices of
electric current to domestic consumers between midnight and 6 p. m., to
encourage electric cooking and so augment the day load of electricity and
the supply of exhaust steam for heating. From sundown to midnight the
electric load is ample to meet all de-mands that may bo made for exhaust
steam for the heating plant.
No matter how cold It may be these days in Eveleth the fortunate users of
heat from the central plant do not have to get up nights to keep the heat
supply up to the standard, nor do they have to get up In very cold rooms
mornings or start business in frigid stores. The central heating plant is
one of those modern luxuries made possible by the combination of a large
number of consumers, who get better service at a lower cost, besides
eliminating much labor and discomfort.
It will be seen from the foregoing facts that Eveleth has a progressive
management for its lighting and heating plant, which makes each branch of
its service to supplement and help the other. It is certainly an
up-to-date management which does not allow even its exhaust steam to go to
waste. Eveleth has reason to be proud of its Home Electric and Heating
company, which is setting a pace for older and larger cities to follow.
1921 History
and Destiny of Eveleth: Its inception and evolution
Page 21: Lighting. A most complete lighting system is in
use. Ornamental lights on Grant avenue, the main business street, form a
beautiful White Way at night. Electrical current for public and private
use is furnished by the Minnesota Utilities Company.
This company also furnishes steam for heating purposes. Most
business places and a considerable number of residences are connected with
the steam mains, obviating the use of individual furnaces for heating.
1947 History of Eveleth, Minnesota, by Margaret E. More, July 31, 1947
1961 "Council
Rejects Heating Move," The Duluth News Tribune, September 6,
1901, Page 3.
The City Council, Tuesday night declined to approve after a second reading
a proposed ordinance amendment which would have transferred the city
heating franchise from the Minnesota Power & Light Co. to the newly
formed Eveleth Steam & Development Co. The MP&L, which has held
the franchise about 40 years, has sought to get out of the heating
business here on the ground it is losing money.
1967 Eveleth Diamond Jubilee Booklet
1992 Eveleth
Centennial Souvenir Booklet
Page 22: The Eveleth central steam heating system and plant, owned
and operated by the Minnesota Power and Light Company, closed its
operation as of midnight, June 30,1972, to furnish steam to some 250 homes
and businesses. The plant had been in operation for more than 65 years.
© 2026 Morris A. Pierce