New-York tribune., 1903-04-13
FOR CONNECTICUT TROLLEY ROADS
Power To Be Supplied from the Housatonic
River to Many Lines.

Nev-Haven Conn. April II (SpecaD.-As the
plans mature for the proposed New Milford Power
COMPANY which is now before the legislature with
a charter to build a dam at Kent, on the Housa-
tonic River to supply electricity for trolley and
manufacturing purposes. it is becoming evident
that Connecticut will see in the near future a re-
markabIe development of the electric road system
Originally It was stated that the New-Mford Com
pany proposed lease electricity to the Connecti
cut Lighting and Railway Company which oper
ates the Waterbury, Naugatuck, Seymour, Derby
Bridgeport and Norwalk electric roads. but it now
appears that one of the tramway companies in
the central part of the State the Meriden. South
ington and Compounce road. is to share in the
system, and that other roads are likely to follow
suit. Already plans are under way for the aban-
donment of dozen generating plants by these
railroads for the power
The Meriden, Southington and Compounce road
will drop its present electric generating station
NIilldale fall and lease part of the power en-
gagged by the Connecticut Lighting and Railway
COMPANY This will the operation of
heavily patronized suburban and city trolley road
In Meriden by means of electricity generated at
Kent on the Housatonic River. fully fifty miles
west.
Further information given out yesterday regard
ing the New Milford Companys plans shows that
a gigantic undertaking in operating Connecticut
trolley roads under way. Electric power is first
to be transmitted from Kent to Waterbury and
Naugatuck, with which to two OF the largest
trolley companies of the State Later 1t is planned
Britain. Southington and Cheshire. The plants at
these places, maintained at great expense
and run by steam, will be abandoned, except as
storage stations. Power Is TO be transmitted by
means of rotary converters. the muitphase sys-
tenn being used, 10000 volts being sent across
wide stretches of country the wires In order
to secure steady transmission of power. and that
no stoppages may occur owing to the breaking down
of the wires a double set of poles and lines will
be constructed extra set suppementing the
first in of breakage. Tub transformers will
placed in the sub-stations control current
the various lighting systems subservient to the
power systems. At Kent 5000 horsepower will be
installed at first. which may be increased to 20 COO
but of the entire water power the river only
the minimum will be used owing the unsteady
supply the low seasons. The machinery is al
ready at Kent awaiting the granting of the charter
by the Assembly, and In Waterbury the sub
station machinery has arrived In readiness for the
opening of business the system by the
middle OF June.
Among the smaller branches in the central nor
of the State to be served with power from the
Housa tonic will be the Cheshire and Mount Carmel
roads. few miles north Of NeW-Haven.
In addition to the trolley roads to be operated nv
the New-Miford Power Company the HOusatoniC
River will also be utilized 10 factories
that part of the State. and also on the Nauga-
tuck River. If the plan proves possible a similar
plant Will be built on the Naugatuck River and on
other good water power streams.