Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-14
GAS D|STR|BUT|ON
IS HELD IMPROVED
Commission Replies to E. c.
Finney's Complaint Against
High Pressure.

The Public Utilities Commission in a
letter to Edward C. Finney. solicitor TO
the Department of the Interior, said to-
day the situation in Washington regard
ing high pressure In gas mains and
badly adjusted appliances causing high
gas bills has generally improved as a
result OF efforts made by the Washing
ton Gas Light Co.
Mr.. Finney has complained that, since
the reduction Of rates ordered by the
new organization of the company, his
bills had almost doubled. although he
used less gas than before. The COM
missions letter in reply said:
I'VE have made very thorough study
Of the situation this Winter and be-
lieve the results Of these studies have
been very beneficial. This study was
started by making an intensive pressure
survey on the city and from that sur
vey the company has made many rear
rangements in their distribution sys-
tenn" $50.
Finds Pressure Uniform.
This has resulted in much more
uniform pressure condition over the
city and spots where abflormally high
pressures were found are now operating
at preSsEres within the limits set by the
commission.
There has been going on for some
time house-to-house canvass in the
two territories productive of the great
est number Of complaints. Wherever
the inspectors found an appliance in
need of adjustment they did not leave
it until 1t operated satisfactorily. The
commission is now compiling the results
OF the house-to house canvass and from
these reports expects to learn consider
able aS to the functioning of appliances
In the customers premises.
The company is already taking steps
to correct the maladjustment of appli-
ances installed by others than them
selves. They have started training
school at their service station at which
plumbers or others who have to do
with the installation Of gas-burning
appliances for stores and jobbers are
given q course of instruction to enable
them to properly adjust the equipment
which they install.
Other Links Planned.
The company Is making plans to
install q number Of connecting links
in its distribution system during this
Summer to have q better distribution
OF gas curing TIE COutuS WulCeT.
IAN Of the above are general results
Of this investigation and are an OUT
growth of the studies made OF specific
complaints"
Mr.. Einney's letter said:
Some time ago I'noticed q large
number OF complaints had been made
to your commission with respect to the
washington Gas Co., but i am not adj
vised as to what action, II any, your
commission is taking in the premises.
MY gas bill Is nearly doubled after
the so-called reduction In rates by the
new organization of the gas company,
and during the last few months have
Increased still more. although have
used the limited gas facilities in my
residence to less extent than hereto
fore certainly hope your commission
will look after the interest of the public
with respect to the operations of the
gas company with at least equal zeal to
that you are exhibiting N connection
with the electric light company, whose
service rates and monthly bills, so far as
I am concerned. are extremely moderate
and entirely satisfactory"