When the transmission of electrical energy over long distances became possible in the late 19th century, many cities began modernizing their public lighting. In Belgrade, this issue was raised in 1884. After years of discussions about which type of lighting to choose—gas or electric—the Municipality of the Town of Belgrade decided in 1891 to illuminate the city with electrical energy. An electric power plant was built in Dorćol, on the land located at today's 51 Dobračina Street, which was also the first public power plant for electricity production in the Kingdom of Serbia. It was put into operation on September 23 (October 5 in the new calendar) in 1893. The produced electrical energy was used for public and household lighting, and since 1894, for powering trams. Until the First World War, the power plant produced three and a half times more electricity than the total production of all other power plants in Serbia. Until 1924, it was the only power plant in Belgrade producing electricity for public needs. With the development of industry, urbanization, and the increase in public and private needs of the residents of Belgrade, the production capacity continuously increased. In 1928, the power plant received a new building, which today houses the Museum of Science and Technology. It operated there until 1932, when a new thermal power plant was put into operation. Снага и светлост.