3 - Every City, 1880–1914

Summary

Even before it became clear that electric lighting would be economically feasible, there was an international electric lighting business. We begin this chapter by considering the pioneering manufacturers – Jablochkoff, Siemens, Edison, and Thomson-Houston – examining their business over borders, which involved the setting up of manufacturing facilities abroad, as well as the sale of isolated plants and the sponsorship of central power stations. We will explore the manufacturers' relationships with other key players. As the chapter evolves, the activities of the many added actors that contributed to the spread of electrification on a global basis will emerge. By 1914, due to these actors' efforts, the residents of every major city around the world had become aware of the existence of electric light and power.

In 1877, the Société Générale d'Électricité (SGEl) was formed in France with capital of 8,000,000 francs. It arranged to install the Jablochkoff arc-electric lighting system in Paris, Le Havre, and London. By November 1880, over 2,500 of its lights were shining in Europe, and plans were being made to introduce this system in New York City. SGEl organized a Russian subsidiary to spread electric lighting eastward. By 1881, Jablochkoff enterprises were described as active in Europe, Asia, and South America. Paul Jablochkoff's firms manufactured the lights as well as installing the electric lighting system.