These networks supply heat and hot water for many buildings throughout the city.

The average home uses 1,000 gallons a year for heat and hot water.

The concerns may sound petty in a city where poor tenants sometimes go without heat or hot water for months at a time.

"They usually don't last three winters without heat and hot water."

But problems with heat and hot water are not confined to low-income neighborhoods.

"I have my own room, heat and hot water," he said.

The engines, which burn No. 6 oil, also provide the heat and hot water for the campus.

In the winter, lack of heat and hot water can make a bad situation even more dangerous.

"In the hostel we haven't had any heat or hot water for two days."

She and several other residents said there was no heat or hot water during most of the winter.