Evening journal., 1913-04-10

With 70 Other Cities
There are in vogue generally among prac-
ticaIIy all suppIiers of electricity for lighting
purposes, two systems of rates, where current
sold is metered
"A"-A primary rate per kilowatt
hour, for current used,-up TO a certain
quantity, and above this quantity
secondary lower rate applies for
the balance used.
"B"-A fixed per month, and
in addition to this fixed sum, low
rate per kilowatt hour for all eur.
rent used. (The fixed sum is paid re-
gardIess OF quantity OF current used.)
The "a schedule is applied to the greater
number of consumers, while the "B' schedule
is applicable to parties using large amount of
current, in cases where the customer is willing
to assume the fixed charge to secure the low
unit rate per kiIOwatt hour.
Under either of these methods there is
usually specified a minimum monthly charge
also monthly meter rental In some instances
the customer must pay for the connection be-
tween the cOmpany's lines and his premises
Some companies charge for the renewal of car
bon flament lamps and for the maintenance OF
arc and nernst lamps Others require deposit
from all consumers before beginning the SER
vice, resulting practically in payment in :
vance.
The Wilmington & Philadelphia Traction
Company follows the regular practice in
Schedules "a" and 3D. but Wilmingtonans
enjoy freedom from all such burdens mini
mum bills meter rentals, connection charges
lamp renewals charges for maintenance of arc
and nernst lamps and cash deposits
CONSUMERS OF ELECTRICITY IN VIII
MINGTON ARE MORE FAVORABLY
TREATED AND ARE AT LESS EXPENSE
THAN THE GREAT MAJORITY OF CON-
SUMERS IN OTHER CITIES IN THE WHOLE
UNITED STATES.
Within the past ten days this company has
written TO electric lighting companies in every
city of $4,000 population and over in this
country and has received replies giving rates
and other details under which electric lighting
is sold in 70 Of these cities.
A COMPARISON or RATES IN THY 70
CITIES HEARD FROM indicates that the
WILMINGTON PRIMARY RATE IS LOWER
THAN 66 of the total number; while the sen
ONDARY RATE IS LOWER than IS of the IN.
In not less than % of the cities listed the
rates have been approved by the public authOri-
ties; and in only four of thsse % are the pri-
mary rates lower than in Wilmington today.
Practically all cities having lower primary
rate have current produced by means OF cheap
water power, pay low costs for coal, or pos
sess other special advantages
When you consider that there are no cash
deposits no minimum bills, meter rentals,
no charges for renewals or connections, ana no
maintenance cost on arc or nernst lamps, these
figures show cOnclusively that WILMINGTON
ENJOYS THE DISTINCTION OF HAVING
THE MOST REASONABLE CHARGES FOR
ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN THE COUNTRY.
The public is cordially invited TO call at the
Traction COmpany's Office TO personally verify
the above statements, by examining the pub
Iished rates in force in the ~ cites re-
ferred to above.
THE ABOVE FACTS TELL THEIR OWN
STORY AND ARE CONCLUSIVE. THEY
PROVE THAT RATES FOR ELECTRIC
LIGHT IN WILMINGTON ARE ACTUALLY
LOWER THAN IN MOST ANY OTHER CITY.
THIS BEING TRUE, NO REAL BENEFIT
COULD POSSIBLY ACCRUE TO THE CITY
OF WILMINGTON BY GRANTING THE
FRANCHISE. APPLICATION OF ANOTHER
COMPANY.
LIGHT AND POWER DEPA