Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-07-17
Something About Work
ings of Public Utilities

The Public Utilities Commission docket
at the present time contains numerous
matters of interest and importance.
among them the following.
Margaret NJ. Hines and others against
the rates charged by the Lewiston Gas
Light Company; Percy r. Rich and others
of Old Orchard against the rates charged
by the Biddeford & Saco Water Company
in Old Orchard; residents of Bar Harbor
and Seal Harbor alleging that the rates
charged by the Bar Harbor & Union
River Power Company for lighting are
unreasonable and discriminatory; George
H. Briggs and others of Peaks Island
complaining that the practices of the
Peaks Island Corporation are dscrimina-
tory. and more than 300 citizens of South
Portland and Westbrook attacking the
rates and practices of the Portland Rail-
road, leased and operated by the Cumber-
land County Power Light Company on
the Cape Cottage. Westbrook Division
It is also interesting to note the number
Of complaints which have been satisfac-
torily adjusted without public hearing
These complaints are of all kinds, princi-
pal among them being inadequate tele.
phone service train and car connections,
practices of various classes of utilities
rates and extension service.
There have been filed with the Commits
sion up to the present time, exclusive Of
matters Immediately adjusted by letter
or conference. 124 informal complaints,
and it has been necessary to transfer only
eight to the Formal Complaint Docket
with view of holding public hearings
thereon.
Another important matter which the
Commission has taken up on its own mo-
ton, and one which vitally affects the
rural sections Of our state along electric
railroads, as well as the manufacturing
centers is that of physical connections
between steam and electric railroads.
When our farmers can receive, on a sid
ing of the electric railroad near their
homes. carload lots of grain. furniture,
etc. directly from the West, and in turn
ship from their farms to the big trade
centers, their agricultural products. a
great stride will have been accomplished
towards developing our rural districts.
Some of the common carriers challenge
the Commissions jurisdiction over this
subject and the final decision Of the
cases pending will determine whether ad-
ditional legislation is necessary.
During the summer the Inspections De-
rartment plan to make a detailed inspec
ton and descriptive sketch of each of the
nearly 1900 grade crossings in the State,
with the end in view of eliminating as
much as possible the Objectionable condi-
tons which surround many Of them; such
as trees and obstructions,-and often
vent the traveller upon the highway from
seeing an approa ching train until too late
to avoid an accident. The Highway Com
mission is cooperating with the depart
ment in this very important matter and
1t Is expected that much good will result
Another matter which this department
is taking up. and which the public will no
doubt appreciate, is the cleanliness and
sanitary conditions existing at the rail
road stations and street railway waiting
rooms, as well as in the cars themselves
The com panies are showing a fine spirit
Of cooperation in this matter and gem
orally where it has been shown that
changes or improvements were desirable
they have been made.
The rates and schedules department is
another important and busy branch Of
the commission. There will be found
complete schedules Of each public utility
in the State. which show exactly what
they charge for their services. The COM
mission has given information regarding
the availability of electric energy and
water power. as we'll as the rates charged
by utilities operating In the territory, to
several out Of the State manufacturers
and capitalists who are seeking to estao-
lish new industries. 1t has a fund Of in
formation available regarding this sub
ject and is always ready and willing to
assist in every way possible
The engineering department is properly