<P> The New York City steam system is a district heating system which takes steam produced by steam generating stations and carries it under the streets of Manhattan to heat and cool high rise buildings and businesses . Some New York businesses and facilities also use the steam for cleaning and disinfection . </P> <P> The New York Steam Company began providing service in lower Manhattan on March 3, 1882 . Today, Consolidated Edison operates the largest commercial steam system in the world . The organization within Con Edison that is responsible for the system's operation is known as Steam Operations, providing steam service to over 1,700 customers and serving commercial and residential establishments in Manhattan from Battery Park to 96th Street uptown on the West side and 89th Street on the East side of Manhattan . Roughly 24 billion pounds (11,000,000 t) of steam flow through the system every year . </P>

What is the purpose of steam pipes in nyc
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