The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-02-26
FARMERS AIDED
BY ONTARIO
HYDRO
Sir Adam Beck Tells How His
System Has Operated in
Rural Communities.
CONTINUED from First Page.)

Continued from First Page)
Hydro Electric Power Commission
Of Ontario has extended rural dis
tribution lines throughout many dis
tricts within economical transmits
sion distance from established
hydro" distribution centers such
as already exist in the cities, towns
and villages of the Province.
Although the aggregate load dis
tributed to rural jewellers is, and
must always be, but a relatively
small proportion Of the total energy
distributed by the Hydro Electric
Power Commission, it's influence
upon the economic life Of the pro-
vince Of Ontario 10 far-reachlng
and has already proven to be a
factor Of great importance. The
total mileage of rural lines at
present operated by the commits
sion IL $50 miles, giving electrical
service to about $4,000 customers.
Throughout Hydro" municipal.
ties, the use of electrical APP
planes il greatly promoted by
the low cost Of electricity. In
most Of these municipalities, the
average family may take full ad-
vantage Of the cleanliness. con-
venience and safety of electric
lighting for less than 81 per
month; while for a small addi-
tional cost electric fans, irons,
washing machines, vacuum clean
ers, coasters and certain classes Of
light cooking appliances may be
utilized. Cooking by electricity ID
rapidly becoming popular.
Rates Are Graded.
AS 10 customary in electrical
supply, the rates in Hydro munich.
palities are so graded that the
rates for all energy used over a
certain consumption are lower than
for the initial consumption.
In many municipalities this
secondary or 'follow.up" rate Is az
low as 0.9 cents net per kilowatt.
hour, and recently the commission
felt justified in inaugurating a
scheme whereby the maximum
'followup" rate in all Hydro
municipalities ia 1.8 cents net per
kilowatt-hour, for domestic service.
From the following table giving
the charges prevailing in Ontario
cities and towns it will be seen
that the charges for electrical serv.
ice at cost to consumers in the
Province Of Ontario stand out in
remarkable contrast to the charges
made In many Of the cities and
towns Of the United States.
Service at Cost.
Respecting the costs of electrical
service to rural customers. the rates
are based upon service at cost,
and, as in urban centers, are mad,
up Of two parts, q service charg,
and a consumption charge, the latte
being in the form of a first an,
second kilowatt-hour charge base
upon the cost of power at the poin
OF delivery.
AS typical of the charges tina
obtain, it may be stated that 70
the class known as light farm
SERVICE" which includes the light
ing Of farm buildings, power 70
miscellaneous small equipment
power for single-phase motors no
to exceed three-horsepower demand
or for an electric range, the rang
and motors not being used stimuli
taneously, the monthly charge woul'
be from Sc to IS.
The success attained by the mu
nicipally-owned enterprise in On
tario has not been accomplished
without great opposition, but ono
the citizens began to recognize tn,
great reduction which was takinl
place in their monthly electric bills
1t has never been possible for an!
interest, no matter how subtle o
unjust have been the attacks upol
the general project, to discount tn
success achieved.
In spite Of all opposition the goot
work of the commission has pros
pered beyond all expectation, and n,
matter from where or how thu
attacks have originated, they hav,
never come from the 1872 munich
palities who know that their owl
electrical enterprise is q great sue
cess-a success Of which they arr
specially reminded every month al
they pay their relatively small
monthly bills for electrical power
and light "at cost"