The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-08-28

mittee to attend a hearing held be-
fore the railroad and warehouse
commission Of North Dakota, to
whom the Union Light, Heat &
Power company agreed TO submit
figures and estimates indicating that
it was necessary to raise rates at
thas time. This meeting, as you
know, was not held, for the reason
that a complete audit Of the books
Of the Union Light, Heat & Power
company had not been made. The
officials Of the Union Light, Heat &
Power company then asked the gas
consumers in Moorhead TO attend q
meeting at Phoenix hall, to give
them an opportunity to submit fig
ures to substantiate their request
for a raise in rates. This meeting
was held, and figures and estimates
were submitted, ana later submitted
to the committee for investigation,
and the consumers present were
notified that a contract would be
mailed to all consumers in Moor
head, which would provide that con-
sumers waive provision in franchise
which relates to a maximum charge
Of $1.45 per 1000 cubic feet for gas,
and to agree to pay cost Of $500
per 1000 cubic feet, or gas would be
shut off on September LIST. This no
tice has been sent, and committee
has requested all consumers not to
sign said agreement until report Of
Union Light, Heat & Power COM
pany could be examined and report
made. The committee made this
request for the following reasons:
First: We believe that no pro-
visions Of a franchise should be
waived without sufficient time be
given to thoroughly examine all rec
ords and reports, to determine
whether 1t is necessary and just to
waive such provision
Second: Accurate and iteniZed
cost sheets based on facts should be
submitted by party asking waiver,
and sufficient time be given to check
same.
1.-THE committee has not had time
to examine the books Of the Union
Light, Heat & Power company, and
the report made Is based on tn re-
port submitted to tho committee by
the Union Light, Heat & Power
company. The report gives the
manufacturing and operating cost
per 1000 cubic feet Of gas for July
1915 to July 1918. The cost of gas
per 1000 cubic feet is determined
by the following factors: Net fuel
costs, labor, plant operation, re-
pairs, distribution operation, distri-
button repairs, commercial and gen.
eral expenses, and taxes. and show
a total operating cost Of .6S per 1000
cubic feet in 1915. This ecs resold
to consumers at a price Of $3.50
gross, or $1.35 net per 1000 cubic
feet, making the depreciation and
profit SO per cent plus, OF the total
operating cost in
Guiding taxes and repairs, leaving a
gross earning Of $6S,S35.20 for the
last six months Of 1915.
During 1915 the total cost Of gas
at meter has increased from .68 to
.73, but on account Of Incl eased con-
shows g. gross earning OF
1921, 86S.19, Or $62,609.02 as COM
pared to S58,S35.20 for the cor
six months in 1915. In |
1917, the total costs Of gas as shown
by report have increased from SO |
again the increased consumption |
shows gross earning of $125,1832s |
for the year, or $64,97195 as COM
pared to $5S,835.20 in 1915 and $62,
60902 in 1916, or q greater gross |
though the cost OF manufac- !
ture has increased, and the price toll
from May 1911" to De-
eember 1917 was reduced to 1920 per
900 cubic feet net.
During the first six months of 1913 |
he cost Of manufacture in report in |
creased to S1.19 per 1000 cubic feet, |
and consumption increased from AL
$4,000 cubic feet for first six months !
1917 to 53,047,200 for first six months |
1913, though a 10. per cent surcharge |
EARNINGS increased from S61,181. 83 for
irst six months 1917 to $70.412.SS for |
lrst six months 1918. This leads the |
committee to believe that the increase |
n rates does not necessarily cause q |
decrease in consumption, and that the |
gross earnings shown for 1915, 1915, |
.917 and first six months 1918, does |
lot warrant the waiving Of maximum |
ate in franchise. In comparing the |