Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-11

~-"~ ~oSSAANG VI lISiC tUGI0tUs USHyluS
the materiality of that fact so long as
its service continues to be adequate.
The company admits the character
OF its contract with the village cor
poration for street lights. but denies
that the rates therefor are unreason-
able, or in excess OF those charged
private parties or Of those charged in
other places under similar conditions.
1t states that it believes that the viii
lage corporation would not contract
for all-night service at a reasonable
price, and that the business Of the
town would not warrant 23-hour SER
vice.
The commissioners say in their de-
cision:
Increased rates to private consum-
ers should not be though: Of They
must not be required to pay more for
what they do use for the privilege OF
using what generally they will not
wish to use. The natural result of an
increase sufficient to afford sub
stantial return would be to reduce
revenue by decreasing the number OF
patrons. If this method were to be
invoked, it could be made to reach all
alike only by increasing the minimum
monthly rate. which is already as hlgh
as it should be.
THE additional service to the vii
lage corporation in keeping its streets
lighted all night would, however. be
distinct benefit. and one for Whlch an
added charge might properly be MADE
But the corporation, while it must pay
a lust rate for the electricity 1t uses
cannot be compelled to use any. Inc
company may publish lawful rate Tor
street lights. but their use is matter
of agreement. and the village corpora
ton will need to be consulted before
it is known how much can ne derlNeo
from this source, and for how long
period.
Il, necessarily follows that. II the
additional service is to be had. what
ever part of the cost is not lett 10 NC
met bv the respondent or borne by the
village corporation must come from
voluntary contribution. This is not
nroner way to provide income for
nub,ic utility under ordinary circum-
stances. but here all parties concede
its necessity, and the compiai'lan'S
ask only that the amount snail pe oe
termined.
1--WE find that if the respondent Is TO
furnish all-night service uepehue''.
upon water power only. and "Nhou.
abatement of compensation for lack Oh
current due to insufficient water pow
or i, should receive in addition to-
ceipts from present published rates 'he
! sum OF $500 for one year from the date
on which any order hereinafter made
for that purpose shall become effec-
tive. said sum to be derived from in
creased rates for street lights ana
from private subscriptions.
| I'VE find that if the respondent is to
furnish all-night service with water
power. employing auxiliary power to
insure constant service. it should re-
ceive during a period of three years. in
addition to receipts from present pub
lished rates the sum of $1,000 the first
wear. $500 the second year and 500 the
third year.
Neither of these plans provides for
23-hour service. and neither is. In cur
Judgment. as satisfactory as may be
worked out by the parties themselves.
if they will enter frankly and in good
faith into negotiations. where greater
elasticity is possible than in any arbi-
! trary order The commission earnest
~ recommends that they undertake to
do so.
| ut may be that no adequate plan
| can be worked out between the re-
spondent and the public. and that ao-
ditional service will have to be sought
elsewhere. In such cases, Chapter
335. Public Laws Of 1915. offers sug-
gestion which may be Of value. if 9TH
er efforts fail. But it ought not to be
necessary either to permit or to COM
pel another electrical utility to enter
any part Of this field, and we do not
think that it will.
mo order will be made until the
complainants have an opportunity to
canvass the matter and ascertain to
| what extent and how the foregoing re-
ouirements can be complied with.
Until such time, or until otherwise or
dered. the case will stand suspended
Bar Harbor Accepts Chap. 124.
The Legislature in 1915 passed
among the private and special laws
chapter 124. entitled an Act for the
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