Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-07-28
Monday, July -, 1924.
Fortune Sivss many . one tot
much, but no one enoush."-Proverb.
THE SUPER POWER REPORT AZ
AFFECTING MAINE


THE SUPER POWER REPORT AZ
AFFECTING MAINE
The advantages through econo-
niles that would result from the
interconnection OF the electric utility
systems of the Northeastern section
of the United States. are emphasized
in the report of the Northeast Super
Power Committee published this
morning. After months Of study the
committee has reached the conclu-
sion that 1.-The economical and ade-
quate power supplies for this area
require: (a) Extension Of intercop-
nection between different systems:
90 the building of large. central
lied. steam >>iActzSa plants located at
strategic TS5n:s; {c> the Develop
ment Of .~t4- hsS>S-electric prof.
scts." ,!sNks
Whethe. or not Soaders believe
that each ~ the individual states
comprising the Northeast section
would be greatly benefited through
tho putting into effect OF the CON-
mittes's recommendations. all must
agree that this group of men have
rendered an important service. The
report commends itself to careful
study. especially by residents Of a
state like Maine where the trans
mission Of electric power beyond
tho state limits Is prohibited by law.
The committee headed by Secre-
tary Hoover Of the U. 8. Department
Of Commerce includes representa-
tives Of the Public Utility Commits
sious Of eleven New England and
Middle Atlantic Statesmen who
through the problems that they
daily meet in their official capacity
realize the significance and impor-
lance Of the matter at hand and
have given unstintingly of their time
in making this cooperative study Of
the engineering and legal aspects of
tho power development in this area.
Maine was represented by Chairman
Charles e. Quincy Of the Public
Utilities Commission. who was ap-
pointed by Governor Baxter.
Since 1909 the policy Of Maine has
been to keep its electricity With n
the State limits. Since that b
some astounding ana wonderful III
provements have. been made in S1
electrical field. and with full reahk
alton Of this, Secretary Hoover has
declared that Interstate commerce
knows no state lines"
During the World War there was
the feeling that We needed every
ounce OF energy that could possibly
be generated. In those years. peo-
pie were thinking in terms Of con-
servation. All remember the efforts
that were made to save sugar and
white bread. So It is easily under
stood how the feeling arose that
there must be saving Of great
white coal" electricity. The line
Of reasoning was the same a. that
OF two grocery store proprietors in
competition, who decide to join
hands in order that economy may
he effected in rent and overhead ex-
penses.
The Federal Power Bill was
passed with q view OF having the
Federal Government deal with the
matter nationally. Under, the De-
partment of the Interior a commits
sion was appointed to make a sur
vey of the sources of electric energy
in New England and on the Allan
tic seaboard as far south as Wash
ington. Congress made a special
appropriation and during 1919 the
subject of power conservation was
fully discussed before Chambers OF
Commerce and other organizations
in order to stimulate the public in
terest in the states.
3 Engineers were appointed to con-
slider this matter and w. s. Murray
of New York was appointed by the
Secretary Of the Interior to head the
committee. The United States Geo.
logical Survey had immediate charge
OF the proposition under the Depart
ment Of the Interior ard the report
.7as fully prepared by Mr.. Murray
and his associates advocating q
.ivision of the country into supsr-
power districts.
Emphasis was laid On the fact
that market Tor super-power ener-
Ey will be found IN the electric util-
Mtes. TIE railroads end the manu-
NcturirS industries and by coordi-
nation and union OF the various
s1'Tf aud electricity producing
I: the energy could be 90 con-
i.o.led that q deficit of energy at
any particular plant could be sup
piled by surplus from other states.
Thus Maine. for example. the third
state in the union with potential
hydro-electric power. could be de-
pended on In seasons when its rivers
were not frozen to produce more
electric energy than she herself
would need. but In the winter and
spring when nature had depleted
this power and she was compelled
to resort to electricity generated
from steam-involving the use Of
expensive coal transported great dis
tancss-hsr want OF power would be
supplied BY other members Of the
super Power District not 20 aftected
~ climatic conditions.
Ia study this problem Mr.. Hooy.