Even Seattle has one of these! And the University of Washington as well. It’s amazing that the economics holds up even today.
> the second largest district steam system in the United States. The plant provides steam for heat and hot water to more than 200 commercial buildings and industries across downtown. Perry K's steam also helps power chilled water facilities which cool more than 60 large facilities around downtown. [1]
I grew up going to downtown Indianapolis as a kid and was always freaked out by the steam emanating from the manholes and grates on the street. It turned out not to be an unfounded fear--they have occasionally exploded [2].
0: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_K._Generating_Station
1: https://info.citizensenergygroup.com/thermal/history
2: https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/locking-covers-installed-...