Youngstown Residents Shiver as Failing Utility Leaves Downtown Buildings Without Heat

City officials plead for state help as aging steam heating infrastructure leaves businesses, government offices, and community centers freezing amid bitter cold.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Temperatures plummeted to -13°F in Youngstown, Ohio, as a failing utility company and crumbling heating infrastructure left more than two dozen downtown buildings with little or no heat. The city's new mayor, Derrick McDowell, called it an "economic emergency" and is seeking short-term fixes and long-term solutions that could cost $10-30 million - a major expense for the cash-strapped city. State officials have provided little assistance so far, citing an "archaic" system with no modern precedent.

Why it matters

The heating crisis is the latest blow to efforts to revitalize Youngstown's struggling downtown, which has faced population decline, the loss of major employers, the pandemic's impact on office occupancy, and other setbacks in recent decades. Without reliable heat, businesses, government offices, and community hubs like the YMCA are struggling to operate, hampering the city's economic recovery.

The details

The steam-powered heating system, built in the late 19th century, has been plagued by issues for years. The longtime operator, Youngstown Thermal, went into receivership in 2017 after losing its largest customer. A new company, SOBE Thermal Energy Systems, took over in 2021 but quickly ran into financial troubles, leading the state to appoint a receiver, Reg Martin, in September 2025. Martin's management of the system has frustrated city officials, who say he has opted for temporary "half measures" rather than investing in new equipment.

  • On Monday morning, temperatures fell to -13°F in Youngstown.
  • Two of the three mobile boilers serving downtown buildings failed just days ago, and the third broke down on Tuesday.
  • When City Hall opened on Wednesday morning, there was no heat. By Thursday, all three boilers had been repaired and heat returned to at least parts of downtown.

The players

Derrick McDowell

The new mayor of Youngstown who has called the heating crisis an "economic emergency" and is seeking state assistance.

Reg Martin

The court-appointed receiver overseeing the utility system, whose management has frustrated city officials.

SOBE Thermal Energy Systems

The company that took over the utility system in 2021 but quickly ran into financial troubles.

Youngstown Thermal

The longtime operator of the steam heating system that went into receivership in 2017.

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who has so far provided little assistance to Youngstown despite declaring a weather-related state of emergency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can't fan the flames of entrepreneurial spirit when buildings are fluctuating between 40 and 60 degrees. This is literally an economic emergency.”

— Derrick McDowell, Mayor of Youngstown (New York Times)

“There is not much precedence in modern times for these types of situations.”

— Dan Tierney, Spokesman for Governor Mike DeWine (New York Times)

“People are done believing in what we're believing, which is the revitalization. The whole theme we created down there was to live, work and play — they're supposed to be able to shower, too.”

— Dominic Marchionda, Property owner (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the current receiver, Reg Martin, to continue overseeing the utility system.

The takeaway

The heating crisis in Youngstown highlights the challenges facing aging infrastructure in many American cities, as well as the need for state and local governments to prioritize investing in critical systems to support economic development and quality of life for residents. The situation also raises questions about regulatory oversight and the role of private companies in managing essential public utilities.