The Canon City record with which is consolidated the Canon City cannon., 1918-10-17
k.v.L..&P.CO.
WllASkF0R
AN INCREASE
INLIGHT and
POWER Rates

Afetr two years of fighting steadily
Increasing expenses OF all kinds the
Arkansas Valley Railway. Light and
Power Company has finally decided
10 take steps towards increased eiec
trio light and power rates and higher
street railway fares. according to an
announcement made by W. +. Raber
vice president. from the company
headquarters at Pueblo.
In a statement giving the reasons
Rsber pointed out that his organiza
tlon had been able to postpone rails
ing rates much longer than thousands
OF other utility companies throughout
the United States and Canada. Nov
however. the company Is entering on d
period where it's expenses are certain
TO be much higher than in the past
and greater compensation per unit oi
service will be necessary In the future
:. While the. Pueblo street rsiiwa,
situation has nothing to do with con
ditions In Canon City. the fact that
the company. will ask for = straight
Scent fare shows the intention tc
have each department and division
OF the organization bear Its share ol
the Increased costs.
In Pueblo the announcement caused
no surprise. as II had been antici
pated by those familiar with the pub
lie utility situation. and the rate In
creases in effect In tbe great majority
of the cities of the United States. II
follows Increased telephone and gas
rates In Colorado and the inaugura
ton OF the Scent fare In Denver and
about $50 other large cities.
The company will hie an appiica
ton with the Colorado Utilities Com
mission within a short time request
ing Increased lighting and power
acheduies with advances ranging from
4 s to 90 per cent over the present
rates.
"we have held out as long as NC
believed such policy consistent with
public interest," says Mr.. Raher. I'm
Ill four or Ave months ago we thought
u might be possible to get through
the present era of high prices with
out charging more for the services
rendered. Developments since then
and the conditions which we will have
TO meet during the coming year. and
perhaps longer. have Obliged US &c
face the situation sauareiy and make
up our minds that We must 40 10 the
people and the Colorado uNlities
Commission with a request for in
creased compensation.
"There are few industries within
Aour zone OF operation which do NOT
depend upon us for power, and prac
ticaily everyone Is highly essential
industry. When existing Industries
expand or new ones are established
they look TO us for service. Under
present conditions il is almost i'm
possible for them 10 obtain engines
and other equipment Of their own In
time to serve their purposes.
There Is nothing In the present sit
ustion to cause worry to our hun
dreds OF home shareholders Theh
preferred stock Is well protected
There is no doubt in our mind OF the
fairness OF our state and municipal
, authorities and the public which
stands behind them. II. however. fur
t,,er wage increases are 10 be granted
and the company maintain its Gus
tomary standards Of acrvice and com
Smunity cooperation, additional rev
cnue must be provided for"
According to Officers Of the com
pany il has been able 70 delay the
necessity for rate Increased ptinci'
pAlly BY two methods. In the frst
place the company during 1sie and
1877 invested aisrse pmount Of new
cab,tal ID sdditiona 70 power hos,se
rnpaclty, extensions and various In
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