Edison's first commercial power plant, the Pearl Street Station, opened in New York City, providing direct current (DC) electricity to a limited number of customers. This marked the beginning of the electric utility industry.

A conflict arose between Edison and George Westinghouse over the superiority of direct current (DC) versus alternating current (AC) for electricity distribution. Edison championed DC, while Westinghouse advocated for AC.

Edison engaged in a propaganda campaign to discredit AC, highlighting its dangers and promoting the safety of DC. However, AC's ability to transmit electricity over long distances made it more practical for large-scale power distribution.

Edison General Electric merged with Thomson-Houston Electric Company to form General Electric. Edison's influence within the new company diminished as AC technology gained prominence.

Despite Edison's resistance, alternating current (AC) ultimately became the standard for electricity distribution due to its efficiency in long-distance transmission. While Edison initially lost the battle, his pioneering work in electric power laid the foundation for the modern electrical grid.