Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-24
CONSENT DECREE
OPPOSED BY KEECH
Notifies Commission He Will
Not Agree to Fixing Rates
by Court Order.

Peoples Counsel Richmond B. Keech
today served notice in writing on the
Public Utilities Commission that he
would not be party to any arrange
ment to change the system of fixing
electric rates in Washington which
would leave in force a decree of court
however modified. He stated that he
would agree to some sliding scale ar
rangement set up in a bilateral agree
ment between the commission and the
company, but held that decree OF
court governing the arrangement would
be a direct impeachment to proper regu-
lation."
Seeks to Avoid Misunderstanding.
Mr.. Keech's letter was written, as he
said. ITO prevent any possible misun-
Outstanding as to my position" He was
present at . conference on February 16
at which the commission and officials
of the Potomac Electric Power Co
sought to reach a compromise on the
commissions threatened court action to
modify the consent decree which now
governs the annual fixing Of electric
rates in Washington. This conference
was abortive, as the corporation ON
Gals said they could not bind their
company in advance of its meeting OF
the board Of directors of the corpora
ton which is to take place tomorrow.
A second conference has been arranged
for next Monday.
Text Of Keech's Letter.
The text Of Mr.. Keech's letter follows:
Referring TO the conference held
February 16 in your Offices with officials
of the power company for the purpose
of considering rates of that company,
Gen. Patrick mason M. Patrick chair
man of the commisSion) that the
method by which this was to be ac-
compliShed was not the question at
that time. From this understood and
l believe others present likewise did
that while the commission entertained
the view that sliding scale was de-
sirable, it held an open mind as to the
manner in which this was to be put
into effect. 1t seems desirable to me
at this time that the commission see to
1t that the bar consent decree), which
has prevented it from functioning as
was intended by the public utility act,
be removed.
Sliding Scale Favored.
1T is my belief that the consent
decree has been and will continue, II
merely modified, direct impeachment
to proper regulation, If for no other
reason than 1t tends to divest the body
charged with the regulation of utilities
in this Jurisdiction Of one OF its prime
powers. With few exceptions all who
took part in the conference Of Monday
entertained the view that a sliding
scale was desirable, both to the power
company and to the general public.
1t was stated by the commission, as
we'll as by representatives of the COM
pany, that through this scheme con-
slant litigation and strife has been
avoided.
1T, therefore. appears to me that a
bilateral arrangement promised on a
sliding scale method would satisfy all
parties concerned, the parties to it be-
ing the Public Utilities Commission and
the Power Company. The sole change
as result Of the adoption of this course
would mean that the court would be
eliminated from the picture and the be-
aforementioned hindrance, as a result
OF the court appearing in such arrange
ment, removed.
Cites Commissions Authority.
Paragraph IL of the law vests the
commission with authority TO sane
ton a So-called sliding scale or other
financial device upon an ascertainment
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