Idaho Springs siftings., 1903-07-04
Buried the Hatch t
Rival Light Companies Have
Ended the Two Years War
and Agreed on Schedule
of Rates.

two years boasted of the fact that they have
been securing light for lower rate than
any city in the country, and this condition
of affairs was brought about by the fact
that two powerful companies had locked
horns in a struggle for supremacy. There
were none of the customers of either COM
pany but what knew that the rates charged
were not consistent with the cost of opera
tion of the plant, and it was we'll known
that it was but question of time when
the rates would be adjusted. This proph
esied time has arrived, for this week the
two rival companies have arrived at an un-
derstanding and a new schedule has been
agreed upon, but the public has not as yet
been informed as to what the new rates
will be, although a material advance is an
ticipated, but in all probability they will
not exceed the rates in other cities where
normal conditions prevail. The exceed
ingly low rates that hitherto have been in
force has had the effect of making Idaho
Springs one of the best lighted cities in the
state, and there are none of the business
houses, offices and but few private resid-
ences but what are literally supplied with
incandescent lamps. What effect change
i'll schedule will make i'll these various
places will depend entirely upon the charges
but it is thought that but few will give up
electricity for oil even though the rates are
materially raised.
Rumors of this reconciliation of the two
light companies have been afloat for some
made until the middle of the week when
customers were notified through the local
papers that on August I, a new schedule
would be put into effect and that on or be-
fore the goth of July patrons would be Wis
tied and rates be adjusted personally, the
announcement being signed by both COM
panies.
Electric lights were first introduced into
Idaho Springs by what was known as the
Idaho Springs Electric Company, composed
of ]. J. Elliott, Henry Plummer, J. M. Ire
land Jno. d. Smails, Ex-senator Turner
and a Mr.. Doe In 1921 the plant was sold
to the Seaton Mountain Electric Light,
Heat and Power Company, with w. Z.
Renshaw, as general manager, the latter
company few months ago being merged
in the Consolidated Gem Mines Company
under the same manager.
About two years ago the Cascade Electric
company was organized here with Fred E.
Himrod president and L. Hanchett as vice
president and general manager, the power
being furnished by the United Light and
Power company at Georgetown. The adj
vent of the new company at once precipit-
ated bitter fight, rates taking a 90 per
cent tumble and up to the present time the
patrons have been the gamers thereby,
obtaining a service that was furnished
at a loss to the companies.
That the two powerful companies have
settled their differences is the source of con-
siderable satisfaction to the business inter
ests of the city, even though 1t will have
the effect of raising rates, for the battle
roval that has been waged during Il e past
two years has permeated to more or less
degree every business interest here and in
a measure has retarded the city's growth.
In union there is strength, and in the wip
ing out of whatever malice there was in
the late struggle, the citys welfare will be
benefited, for both light companies can
now work together for mutual advance
ment, and will always be found potent fac
tors in promoting Idaho Springs interests.
Even with the advanced rates called for by
the schedule, our city will still have much
lower rate than our more unfortunate
neighbors. Siftings is reliably informed
that the rates in force in Georgetown will
prevail here under the new schedule, and
it is a we'll known fact that Georgetown
has had the lowest light and power rates of
any non-competitive town in the west.