The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-03-14

could possibly be ready for the power
/ itself" Patten said
He pointed out that the most eff
cient production of electrical energy
must come thru a condensing plant
/ with an almost unlimited source OF
water supply. making it necessary for
the plant to install its own pipe line
/ ~ the river. The original franchise
| Of the company, granted by the city
government. prohibited any such pipe
| line. and makes it necessary for the
energy to be produced at a higher
cost. with a simple or non-condens-
ing plant, and to use CITY water thru-
F,Iinnination of the non-condensihg
plant now in use would mean the
elimination of the heat which is fur
nished to business establishments in
the business district in the form of
exhaust steams Patten pointed out
He vigorously asserted the @aim
that the Edison company is able and
ready to take care of any power call
which Topeka is likely to make.
The matter of rates for Topeka in
dustries was taken up by Patten and
Purdy together. The question of do
nestle rates was not discussed. since
there has been no question raised as
to the justice of the domestic rates.
Patten pointed out that the power
problem in Topeka includes service to
a majority of consumers who belong
in the light load class = not heavy
users of power. He stated that in
comparison with the rates in three
other cities which he quoted, the To-
peka rates are lower for the smaller
Industries which make up the majority
of the users of power here, and higher
for the heavy power users.
Purdy Presents Figures.
Purdy presented figures drawn up
on an actual plant in Topeka, using
the rates and the power bills of that
company for comparison.
Purdy's figures showed that for
such a plant-rated at about 100
horsepower connected loan, with about
90 horsepower demand. Topeka's rate
were less than the rates obtainable
in Kansas City. No, Kansas City,
Kan. or Wichita
Using the actual consumption of
power by the Topeka plant, Purdy
showed that the saving amounted to
more than 500 per year in every
case. The bills for the year 1920 were
taken first. The bills of the Topeka
Edison company to the Topeka firm
for that year amounted to S2.376.
On the general power rate" of the
Kansas City, Mo. the bill would have
off peak rate. under which the
company would not have been allowed
to use power during the peak period"
of demand during the day. the Kan
sas City, No, rate would have been
S3.033, or $3.50 greater; under the
ION peak rate, the bill would have
been S4,636, or greater by $3.50 than
the bill the Topeka company paid.
In 1921. the differences in favor of
the Topeka Edison company's rate
for the power user would have been:
$743 on the general power rate, over
the S2.24S which the Topeka COM
pany actually paid for power during
that year; $3.50 on the off peak
rate and $2.111 on the ION peak"
rate.
4 Great Saving.
In 1920, compared with the rates
from the Kansas City, Kan, plant, the
savings would also have been great.
Patten pointed out that on account
Of natural conditions, demand and To-
cation. the plants at Kansas City and
Wichita could be operated at a far
greater efficiency than in Topeka, and
that therefore the contrast is more
striking.
pany cited, in 1920, under the Kansas |
City. Kan. conlpany's dates. would |
have been s2.67S, instead of $2,S16, |
saving of $302. In 1921, the company |
would have saved exactly $50
In comparison with the rates of the |
Kansas Gas & Electric company, at |
Wichita, the saving would have been |
$500 in 1920 and S135 in 1921.
Patten indicated that there is be-
ing contemplated a revision of the |
rates of the company on industrial |
power in Topeka. and asked that the |
new rate card. when it has been COM |
pleted be checked over by the board |
Of directors of the Chamber of Com |
merce. It was stated that a commit |
tee possessing more technical familiar
ity with rote making procedure than !
the directors possess. will be appointed L
from the membership. to check over |
the new rate card.