Los Angeles herald., 1906-02-01
THE PEOPLES GAS
COMPANY TOO BUSY
TO MAKE A REPORT

TO MAKE A REPORT
1t gives us pleasure to comply with
the ordinance of the city of Los An
geles for the regulation of gas COM
panies, among other public utilities,
so far as it is possible to do so, but
regret that at present we have very
little in the way of detail which we are
able to give, owing to the fact that
we have only taken over the manage
ment of the gas plants of the Los An
geles Suburban Gas company during
the present month, which was for some
time operated by the Los Angeles In
dependent Gas company.
Up to the present time we have not
manufactured any gas within the city
limits and will only begin the distribu-
ton on February 1, 1906, of gas manu-
factured outside the city limits of Los
Angeles. The reason that the Inde-
pendent Gas company has been COM
PEELED so long to operate a gas plant
outside the city is well known to your
honorable body, as well as to all Of the
citizens of Los Angeles.
Promises Pure Gas
We are happy to say, however, that
during the past three years we have
legally established our rights to do
from now on hope to make better pres
sure and give the people what they
have long needed-a pure gas of the
highest quality, delivered under even
pressure and at a less rate in proper
tion to value than any other gas sold
in this state.
So far this company has not done any
construction work and is therefore ig-
norant as to the exact amount and
on to manage, but estimates the value
of it's property in and outside the city
of Los Angeles at $300,0O0
The main plant has never been op-
Grated; therefore, until we are able to
operate our city plant continuously for
the coming year we are unable to make
such a report as is contemplated by
the ordinance on that subject We
hope, however, at the end of our first
report as the ordinance calls for.
Will Reduce Rates
Had not the Independent Gas COM
pany. which was organized for the
purpose Of operating the city plant,
now the only one under our manage
ment, been driven from the field by
tenn would by this time have fairly
we'll covered the city Of Los Angeles
and gas consumers would not to-
day be complaining of impure gas and
unsatisfactory service of the same,
while the new company would have
been in the position to pay it's full
share of revenue into the city treasury.
At present, owing to the extra ex-
pense always attendant upon the start
III; rI,,,
continuing the original price of 81 per
1000 cubic feet to gas consumers, which
includes compensation for extra puri-
fication and extra cost of properly de-
livering gas; and when we gain a
revenue equal to one-half of our COM
petitors we will very gladly still fur
ther reduce the price and will always
give more value for the money than ii
is possible for any competitor to do,
owing to our control of valuable patent
rights covering the system.
Wants Chance to Compete
AS an evidence, however, that our
price is satisfactory to consumers and
considered lower in proportion to values
than any other supply in this city
we are daily importuned for the extern
sion of street mains and services and
are continually gaining in numbers OF
consumers ON the competitive lines
without solicitation on our part, Show
ing conclusively that gas consumers
prefer good gas and good service at 81
per 1000 feet to the S5-cent article al
any price. We wish to add to this re-
port that any regulation of prices OF
gas, quality or distribution, is not III
any way so effective, or of such value
to gas consumers, who are the real
parties interested, as would be free
competition in gas supply, which means
that the very best will then be pro-
duced and sold at the lowest possible
rates.
All this company asks from any
source whatever is the undistrubed
exercise of it's right to compete un-
molested In the supply of gas. and we
feel sure that every fairminded citizen
is willing to accord us this right. in
addition to such rights as the state
constitution gives to us.
Mentions so Cent Gas
We ask no monopoly, nor have we the
least desire to put anything In the way
of our competitors, except such SUI
perior methods for the benefit of the
people as we alone possess and should
have the undisturbed right to give the
i citizens the full benefit thereof.
rhe more this company is encouraged
to extend its mains throughout the city
the sooner the city will have the benefit
of 50-cent gas, still maintaining ano
improving it's pure quality and efficient
service, which has been our object from
the start, but which low price could not
be expected until a reasonable amount
of business had been obtained; which
point is thoroughly understood by oul
consumers, who have so frequently ex'
pressed their satisfaction with the gas
and service given and our manner oi
doing business with them.
That your honorable body may better