Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-19

company ONCE be recorded and for
Warcied to headquarters daily.
Tbs increased preSsures which were
revealed IN the report of Bert H. Peck,
chief engineer Of the Commission, and
submitted to the Commission under
date of February 4, last, 1t is believed
at the Commission, may be responsible
for some of the higher bills COM
planned of by gas consumers. An ex-
haustive study, it was said, would have
to be made to determine precisely how
much more gas an improperly adjusted
appliance might use under the higher
pressures.
Estimates, however, are the only in
formation in the possession of the COM
mission. These show that pilot light
consumption alone would increase about
per cent as a result of the average
pressure boost of 10 per cent, thus
burning approximately 5000 addition
al cubic feet Of gas day. No estimates
have been made as to the probable in
creased consumption due to improperly
adjusted appliances.
While gas company officials declare
that only some sections Of the city were
affected by preSSures higher than the
Six-inch pressure formerly allowed, it
was pointed out at the commission that
the report Of Mr.. Peck explained that
his survey disclosed that there are only
three comparatively restricted areas in
which the commissions requirements
are meeting with compliance"
These areas the chief engineer listed
Is the district surrounding the Navy
Yard west to the War College, north to
Garfield Park and east to the Con-
gressional Cemetery; the district west of
Georgetown College and bordering the
Potomac, which Is served at high pres
sure with house governors reducing and
regulating the preSsureS at each indi-
vidual service, and the Anacostia dis
trict east of Pennsylvania avenue,
which is similarly served at high pres
sure.
elsewhere" the Peck report declared
"preSSures exceed the maximum limi-
tation of existing rules"
Woods Statement
In q page advertisement published
today Mr.. Wood made the following
statement:
There are some sections in the city
in which gas pressures are higher than
the six-inch pressure formerly allowed
This is not a new condition, but has
existed for some time previous to the
reduction of rates. If 1t did not exist
it would mean that many people would
not obtain satisfactory gas service.
Recognizing this and acting on the
advice Of their own engineer, the Public
Utilities Commission at this time has
raised the pressure requirements 70 .
maximum of eight inches. Consulting
engineers from the United Gas I'M
proYements Co., one of the foremost
ORGANIZATIONS of its kind in the country,
have been in Washington for several
months working with our own en-
Rineers on our distribution problems and
have already drawn up plans which
will be adequate TO take care Of any
demands in the next few years
Approximately IS complaints have
been received by the Public Utilities
Commission since the FIRST Of January
We have 10000 customers. We would
welcome hearing from any one OF them
who feels that there Is something we
can do to better our service. We are
anxious and ready to do everything
which Is necessary TO insure complete
satisfaction to our customers
Can't Trace Connection.
"In this connection we should like to
point out that the January bill covered
a period of IS days, or days more
than usual The majority of complaints
have been satisfactorily explained by
this one fact alone.
I'VE have not been able TO trace any
direct relationship between the pres
sures carried by us and high bills. The
engineer of the Public Utilities Com
mission reported that high pressures
might cause an increased consumption
of something less than / per cent
"An 8-inch pressure will mean q
plentiful supply of gas and large
flame This may make gas appliances
inefficient If the fame is turned UP
higher than Is necessary to do the Job
In most instances this can be controlled
by the user. II. however, in some cases
more gas is being used than necessary
because of improper adjustment OF any
appliance, this can easily be remedied
The Washington Gas Light Co. anc
the Georgetown Gas Light Co. will bt
glad 10 make any adjustments which
are necessary.
THE gas companies expect TO be In
business for a good many years anc
must depend heavily on the good viii
of the public. There is only one sure
way to obtain this. and that is by rem
dering consistently good service. We
know that the customers interest Il
our interest"