The San Francisco call., 1896-04-15

This last table shows an average of
81 ,0S2 50 per month for an average OF over
eighty-eight lamps per month, as compared
with $50 a month for fifty-four lamps, the
amount being paid for street lighting ut and
previous to the date of original purchase in
1889 This shows an average cost of SI2 80
per lamp per month for the 100 months which
covers depreciation in plant by wear and tear
aud exchanges of old machinery for new as
well as all running expenses
lnventory-For the purpose OF ascertaining
how near the net cost according to the above
figures is to the present value OF the plant
had a careful inventory made of the city's en-
tire electric light property. The items I am
satisfied are correct and the prices given au-
proXimately so, in some cases, according to a
prominent San Francisco electrician with
whom have consulted, being less than the ar
ticles can be replaced for, while in other cases
they cover the full value, but upon the whole
l believe it to be safe, conservative and proper
valuation.
have this inventory here in detail, but will
not detain you now to read it. Suffice it to
say that the total amounts to $50, ITO rs,
while have just learned, after getting this re-
port ready that there has been omitted from the
inventory the eighteen mile wire circuit for The
railroad station lights. This inventory covers
only the property owned and paid for and
does not include any of the unpaid purchases
under the latest contracts for the extension OF
the plant. The incandescent annex installed
during the past year has produced some reve-
nue., which was included in the credit to SER
vice in the above statements.
There are now eighty regular customers for
incandescent lights on the book and together
with those in the city Offices there are 1856 in
candescent lamps on the line, although the ca
pacity of the present machinery will permit
the burning OF only 800 lamps at any one
time.
The monthly income at present from the in
candescent system is over $500, the amount
for March being 1916 rs. This includes very
low rate for the lights used in the city public
Offices, and l see no objection to giving the
plant credit for the same, as it is saving gas
bills which would otherwise have to be paid,
In the inventory ali items OF expense supplies
now on hand, such as coal, oil, waste, etc,
which have already been paid for and charged
to expense account have been omitted; also in
the early history OF the arc system few ligh is
were sold from time to time but as the income
thererom was inconsderable and not easily ar
rived at | allowed that item of credit to pass
unnoticed These credits, such abatement
on fire alarm expense, arc light sales and in
ventory of coal, etc, as well as the saving in
individual gas bills by reason of reduced rates,
win offset any variation in the apporiionment
of expenditures and credits for light service.
Now, one more word regarding the incan-
descent department. have not been able to
accurately determine the additional cost OF
running since this department was added, be-
cause, by the introduction OF the latest ma
chinery at that time the consumption of coal
proportioned TO the work accomplished was
greatly reduced. However, estimate the ad-
ditional expense as salaries and incidentals
approximately at $3.50 per month. The in
come is about $500 per month so that there
has not been any actual loss, although # con-
uuclSu Us du IilucptHuCHt pioHb lHS iHCdD-
descent annex would not be self-sustaining
with the small patronage and at the rates now
being charged
/ find that the stores pay fiat rate OF 60
cents per lamp per month, and that the proprfe-
tors of these stores estimate that this is about so
per cent of what they formerly paid for gas, a
very material saving. The private residences
all have meters and the charge does not de-
pend upon the number of lamps the house,
but upon the quantity of electricity consumed.
On ali bills exceeding So so there is discount
allowed Of 10 per cent. This discount in
creases as the bill grows, be ng 90 per cent on
bills over So, 80 per cent on bills over $40 and
40 per cent on bills over 500 SO that in some
Instances the more electricity the consumer
uses the less he pays. The rate appears to me
10 be very low and should induce the general
use OF incandescent lights among our citizens.