The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1916-12-28
ASKS FOR INCREASE IN RATES
Colonial Power a Light Co. Presents
New Contract 10 the Village and
Fire District for Their Action

Fire District for Their Action
Some time since ii was rumored
that there was TO be an increase in the
rates for street lights in the Village
and Fire District in Manchester, and
tentative contracts were submitted TO
the Village and Fire District embody-
ing the new terms.
Mr. J, G. Menut, general manager
Of the company, writing from Clare
mont, n. H., the headquarters Of the
concern, says:
"Gontlemen:--
Doubtless in your knowledge Of
conditions existing in other towns, you
must have realized that the price we
are now charging you for street lights
is somewhat below the ordinary figure.
We have had this matter under consid-
Grafton at different times but in the
past we have felt that possibly there
was something TO be said on the other
side Of the question inasmuch as we
have been so handicapped with the
conditions Of our generating station
that re have fully realized that the
service in Manchester has not been as
good as we would have liked.
1--WE feel, however, that with the
shutting down of this station and the
new arrangements which we have
made at a very considerable expense,
Manchester will now have as good SER
vice as any town or city could possibly
desire.
obviously, in comparing the price
for the Manchester street lights with
the prices charged for similar service !
in other towns, either one or two
things must be true:--that the prices !
charged in other towns are exorbitant
n, else that the price charged in Man
obos.or n,rs, be below the actual cost |
OF the service.
Owing to tie fact that the Public
Service Commission of Vermont has a
careful supervision over such prices
and because of the fact that there
have been several cases dismissed be-
fore this Board and settled by it, we
believe that you will agree with us
when we say that we feel that the true
conclusion is not that prices charged
in other towns are too high, but that
the price charged in Manchester is too
low: and we do not think that you will
feel it fair that the company should
continue to supply service at very
considerable loss.
"Undcr these circumstances, we beg
TO advise that we will continue the
present arrangements until January
LIST, 1917, and that after that date we
are ready to enter into contract with
you along the lines Of that previously
submitted, namely:
Rates for Street Lights
80 C. p. lights all night, $500
60 G p. lights all night, $4,000
32 c. p. lights till midnight, $500.
60 G. y. lights till midnight, $500
pending your discussion and consid-
Grafton Of the matter, we will continue
TO supply the present street lighting
service after January LIST, 1917, at a
price Of $l.60 per month per lamp.
"In conclusion, let me say that we
feel sure that you will understand that !
the company only wishes to receive a {
fair price for the service; and any in {
formation that we can furnish you to {
aid you in proving for yourself that !
the quotations made are fair, will be c
gladly given.
Every truly yours, y
81. GARDNER MENUT, (
General Manager" j
The following list Of rates show S
what Is being paid for current for c