Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1896-07-23

Another Electric Light Project.
The Bethel Electric Light and Power
company contemplates extending its lines
and service to this village II there appears
desire on our part to avail ourselves OF
the opportunity.
success. Twenty three hundred lights are
in operation there and are giving the hest
OF satisfaction. Barring little difhculty
at first, the plant has worked smoothly
six months.
GaysvilIe, Tuesday, with the company's
electrician, Mr.. /. M. Frost. 1t 10 located
on the site OF the old Gaysville Manufac-
turing company's plant, six miles and
quarter from Bethel. There IL an album
dance OF water at most seasons Of the year
and during this year, which has been the
dryest for many, there has been ample
power to run the Bethel lights.
The power house Is located somewhat
lower than the dynamo room and Is sep
crate from 1t. The water Is brought from
the dam BY penstock to large reservoir
Just above the power house, from which II
descends to the wheel, having a head OF ~
feet. The wheel Is what is known as the
Olcutt vacuum wheel, OF especial proper
ties. From the fly wheel large belt runs
directly to the dynamo, without counter
shaiting or gearing. The dynamo is one
OF the General Electric company's latest
monocyclic machines, Of $50 horse power
or 5000 volts. The dynamo Is designed
for both arc and incandescent lighting
and power purposes. Besides the dynamo
are the EXETER, and the various guages for
testing and regulating the current. The
DOW or station is modern and complete in
all its arrangements. One man attends to
the work there.
The current is transmitted to Bethel,
where it Is transformed from high to a
lower voltage to adapt 1t to use, the volt
age for incandescent light being 104. An
all night service 10 given.
The lights were started the 7th day of
last January, since which time 1880 in
candescents and one arc light have been
placed. The streets are Zig hted with large
incandescents.
The rate for lights are the lowest OF any
place OF which We know. For stores and
Offices the price is ~ light per year
where five lights are taken. In dwellings,,
the rate ID $l.50 light when ten are tag
en-, and from that up to $3.50 for q single
light, depending upon the number taken.
The cost OF wiring is q per light, and OF
the lamps rs cents, which charges the
parties who take the lights have to bear.
The rates will be the same in Randolph il
the line ID eAUeuueO.
The Bethel company organized with a
capital OF s15, 900, which has been put into
the plant. The income is over 5000
year; running expenses about 81 ,2OU, ieav-
ing good net profit. 1t will cost about
1000 more to take on Randolph, includ-
ing steam engine for use in dry times,
which would be necessary. The company
will furnish part OF this capital and will
ask our citizens to invest the remainder so
that they may feel an interest in the bust
ness. This village ought to take from
$500 to 1000 lights.
The company asks no exclusive rights
OF us and binds us to nothing. II we
want the lights, it will furnish them; II
not, we can let them alone. II 1t did not
have faith that 1t could give US good ser.
vice, 1t would not be likely to try the ex.
pertinent.
This is quite likely our only chance to
secure electric lights. We have no water
power OF our own and can not afford
steam. II any charter Is deemed necessary
one can be procured at the coming session
OF the legislature.
The scheme looks favorable and FEAST
BILE. Let's give II thought and, IL possible.
our approval. We need the lights.
The Bethel stockholders Will meet any
OF Our citizens, who feel disposed to en-
courage the project, at any time, and fur
Their explain It.