Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-19
KEECH FORMALLY
ASKS COMMISSION
FOR GAS INQUIRY
Peoples Counsel Says Office
Has Been Delayed by Con-
sumers' Complaints.
HOLDS EXTENDED BILLING
PERIOD NOT ONLY FAULT
Also Points Out That Increased
Pressure Is Not Cause of Pro-
test in Some Areas.

The Public Utilities Commission had
before it today formal request from
richmond B. Keech, peoples counsel.
that its engineering department be re-
quested to make thorough investiga-
ton OF gas consumption in the District
TO determine the cause of the flood
Of complaints over mounting gas bills
The need for such action, Mr.. Keech
told the commission clearly exists" be-
cause his Office within the last two
months has been practically deluged
with complaints He also declared he
did not believe that the extended billing
period for January, which covered IS
days, accounted for the amount of the
DllIs over and above that used by the
consumer for similar period.
In the meantime Elvin A. Potter. the
commissions chemist began test of
the mixed natural and manufactured
gas now being distributed through a
portion OF the gas system to determine
what effect it has on gas appliances,
1his test was ordered by the commits
sion because of complaints that pilot
lghtS were carbonizing and extinguish-
ing the flame. The commission be-
lieveS that such a condition is danger
Gus.
Await Woods Reply.
The commission is anxiously await
Ing the result of the tset, as well as
reply from George A. G.. Wood, pres
ldent OF the Washington Gas Light Co.,
10 It's latest order directing that steps
be taken Immediately to bring gas pres
SureS within the limits prescribed by
its regulations. Mr.. Wood was specif-
lcaIly requested by the commission to
acknowledge the receipt of the order.
In 1urtherance OF our several con-
verSatlonS with reference to complaints
filed by various consumers of gas in
this Jurisdiction and in conformity witR
the statement made by me to the press
OF Tuesday" Mr.. Keech wrote the COM
mission, Il now ask that you have
your engineering department go into
the question OF gas consumption In this
jurisdiction with a view to ascertaining
| the cause.
The need for such action, In my
opinion, clearly exists. This, not only
| Tor the sake of the gas consuming pub
lie. but for the company itself.
Within the last two months this Of
nee has been practically deluged with
complaints, both by letter, telephone
and personal visits. It is likewise
worthy of note that the caliber of per-
sons making complaints are not those
generally given to harraSsing utilities.
Many of them have been from persons
holding high positions, professionally
and otherwise and their time is so &C.
cupied as to render it impractical for
them to dispute matters of this sort
unless they feel thoroughly justified.
Corrections Needed.
IT realize that bill rendered for
January covers period for some four
days over the ordinary month, but of
the complaints received by me, deduc-
ton for this excess does not account for
the amount over and above that used
by the consumer for similar period. It
is, of course, understood that consump-
ton in your house cannot be properly
compared with mine, also, in viewing
these complaints it has been necessary
to ascertain whether or not there has
been any change in the equipment. per-
sonnet, or general living conditions.
Where, however, no change has been
found as to these elements, it is. there
fore, evident that some conditions exist
which should be corrected.
Il read with interest the pressure
report Of your engineer. Likewise. in
my conversation with your chief en-
gineer, was given to understand that
at least in some locations the question
OF pressure was not controlling, this be-
ing TACT IN the vicinity OF Seventh
and S streets 1t would. therefore,
seem that while the question of pres
sure is one which must very properly
be gone into thoroughly, that there are
other conditions which must be ascer-
tanned and corrected.
upon completion of such an inves-
tigation by your staff, would appre-
ciate being advised as to the result
thereof"
Aside from the "deluge' of complaints
Mr. Keech said he had received, the
commission has acknowledged and in
vestigated about IS written protests,
but this total, it was said, does not in
clude those reported over the telephone
to the commissions Office in the gas
company building. In view of present
conditions, the commission has ordered
that all complaints received at the gas
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