The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1909-06-27
Light Competition

With the inevitable absorption of all Of the Eec-
trical patronage in Montgomery, our friends sometimes
express apprehension that the monopoly of all the cleo
trica current sales by this company may tempt the
company to increase its rates for service
1t is not the desire Of the M L. & w. P. Co. to
rub it ii" on the estimable gentlemen who were
mised to the scheme Of maintaining competing lighting
plants in Montgomery. Other men In other cities have
made the same mistake and this company cannot afford
to add to the misfortune Of tht,e whom it will serve
but short history Of competing or what are called
'raidmg electric light plan's may interest many, and
the pledge Of this company will interest everybody
whose welfare is with that Of Montgomery.
Only few years since the Electrical patronage
of any city was about one third in volume of what is
today. In many cities throughout the country the
Electrical Central Stations were forced to charge what
would now appear to be exorbitant rates in order to
maintain any kind Of serucaoe plants. yet til. outlook
for future sales Of electrical current was brgnt enough
to encourage in many instances the promotion of COM
peting plants in the limited business districts. This
was nearly every instance followed by failure to the
competing or ''raiding" company. In few instances
did the 'raidng concerns sell out to the original COM
panies at profit The cities thus Experimental on.
however, have all concluded that it was "a bad thing
for the city" and in no instance has the cOnlpeh-
ton been the cause of permanent reduction of
rates. The only reduction in electrical rates has come.
and only can come from increased market Of the orgi-
nal stations product
The state departments Of Wisconsin Massachu-
sets and New FORK now absolutely prohibit charter
to such companies, and in few years this ruling will
prevail in every state.
American cities now as rule prevent the organi-
zation OF competing electrical central station companies
for they have proven hoodoo" to those cities mas
much competing companies simpl cut into the bust
ness districts supplied by the original company at the
expense OF residence territories and service improve
ment The bill for the imaginary luxury Of compet-
ton has to be footed by somebody usually the people
Mark you, no "raiding company will ever
attempt to its lines throug hout the entire city, nor
will they bear their just burdens Of city affairs No
one has yet heard of such companies ever resulting in
any good for city.
The Montgomery Light & Water Power Com
pany limited in its business the city Of Montgom-
cry and vicinity. 1t is and always will be limited in
its rates for service to the cheapest rates at which light
heat and power can be supplied by other mediums.
1t is to its own interest bound to reduce the rates
for gas and electrical current as rapidly as it can reduce
them. 1T lUiH abide by the decision of the Nation
al State or Civic Governments in regard to
taxation, rates for service and other regulations
butt will not be held up by any Electrical
Competition. If the Montgomery Light & Water
Power Company has surplus earnings to dispense those
earnings will be devoted to the benefit Of all the
people Of Montgomery and not to the profit Of or
two amateur magnates.
With the extinction Of Electrical competition will come
fov(S