Thermal energy reticulation (steam or hot water) is still an efficient use
of part of the output of power stations and is in use in some parts of the
world. AFAIK in some places hot water is piped 10's of kilometres. Think
about the energy wasted in "cooling towers". At one station in NZ
(geothermal source) the hot waste water is used to raise fresh water
crayfish.

RM



>DC mains were available in many cities in the 50's.
>Small appliances of the post-war era often featured
>"ac-dc" motors for compatibility.
>BTW, if DC seems archaic, STEAM was available as a
>a utility in NYC in the same era...  :)
>
>Regards, Jack