The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-04
hike IN GAS RATE
Notices Sent to Kansas Com
panies by the Kansas Natural.
New Charges in Effect With
April Meter Readings.
INCREASE OF 5 CENTS Per M
No Application Filed With
State Utilities Commission.
Price Advance Order Issued
From Office in BartlesvilIe.
INCREASE OF 5 CENTS Per M

Notice has been sent to Kansas dis
tributing companies by the Kansas
National Gas company that charges
for gas delivered at city gates will be
increased from 35 cents to 40 cents
following the April reading. Repre-
sentatives of the producing company
as well as distributors today appeared
informally before members of the
public utilities commission regarding
the proposed new rate.
No formal application has been
filed with the state commission for
approval of the new rate. Members
of the state board are seemingly un-
certain as to the Jurisdiction which
the commission has in determining
these rates. Its principaf concern, ac-
cording to a formal statement by
Clyde NJ. Reed, chairman of the com
mission, is the rate charged consum-
ers.
Green Files Protest.
Charles w. Green, former member
of the public utilities commission and
representing distributing companies
in Kansas City-both Missouri and
kanSaS-tOday protested to state COM
mission members regarding the pro-
posed increase in city gate rates. He
asserted that the increased cost would
mean an expense of $3.50, 900 to the
two Kansas Cities. In his talk with
Green renewed the old threat to re-
establish artificial gas plants.
\ Unless enforcement of the proposed
new order is restrained it will become
effective with May service. The Kan
sas Natural now receives 35 cents for
gas delivered at gates of Oklahoma
towns. Notice that the cost to dis
tributing companies in Kansas will be
40 cents has been sent from offices CT
the company in Bartlesville.
Statement by Chairman Reed.
Commenting on the proposed rate
Increase Chairman Reed of the public
utilities commission issued the follow
ing statement:
No application has been filed with the
public utilities commission by the pipe line
gas companies for an increase in the city
gate rate nor from the distributing COM
panles for permission to pay a higher rate
so there is nothing formally before the
commission.
Both sides have informally discussed the
matter and both have been informed that
the main concern of the public utilities
commission is the price which the con-
the commission would be very reluctant
to grant any increases in gas or other utfI-
lty rates at this time and would not do so
except where the absolute necessity for
such action is shown beyond any doubt
The pipe line company takes the posi-
tlon that Its share OF the rate paid by the
consumer would be increased without in
creaslng the consumers price. That is
question of fact thar can be determined
only after very careful investigation
This commission has taken a positive
stand on the question Of gas leakage and
itt4S DttAi uphtlO ny lne courts IN the stan
dard which it has fixed. Under court de-
cisions many of the towns in Kansas have
been paying additional charges for the
purpose OF providing revenue with which
the distributing companies could repair
their mains. This commission has doubted
the soundness of that policy but has neces-
sariy cOncurred in it,
1t takes the position that as the dis
trlbut1nE lines are repaired and the leak
age reduced the public which has CON
tr1Duted the revenue necessary to make
these repairs, should receive a benefit in
n oh
mission expects to take whatever steps it
can to support this policy.