The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-01-02
LOAD
 REGISTERS GAIN
Conn Power Utilities Fin-
 ish Very Favorable Year
LOWER RATES HELPED

anu oNtI a period of ten years together with the introduction of attractive rate structures enabled Connecticut's power and light utilities despite the depressed conditions prevailing 1881 not only to hold but to increase their residential sales and by this to offset partially the large decline which was suf- fered in the industrial and com loads, outstanding execu- lives in the industry declared In reviewing tn eyear to-day. Like wise, the companies, not pressed with the need of major additions to meet the electrical demand, have had time for studying operat- ing economies, training personnel and seeking better materials and apparatus. the beneficial results of which will show later.
 The years progress in the cleo trio industry in Connecticut is summarized in statements by sam uel Ferguson, president of the Hartford Electric Light company and of the Connecticut Power com pany; F. II. Knowlton, vice-presi- dent of the Connecticut Light and Power company; P. M. Hatch. gen. eral manager of the Stamford Gas and Electric company; and C. F. Carter, general manager of the Danbury and Bethel Gas and Elec- trio company.
 Mir Ferguson's resume of 1881 Is as follows:
 "While the light and power in- dustry In this state can point to very few notable achievements during the past year, 1t none-the- less is very satisfactory year Tn one important respect, namely, as to the results of the definite policy adopted at the time of the last de- precision, to materially increase the amount of service rendered in the homes of our customers and thus to be assured of n more stable in- como In future depressions than had been the case In the past.
 "This policy necessitated q con- stant lowering of the average price received for domestic service In or- der to develop the business. The years figures disclose, in the case of the Hartford Electric Ligh. company, that the average price re- ceiyed this year is only one-ha f of that received In 1921; that this gradual lowering of price has re- suited in an increase In domestic revenue of approximately thirty per cent; and that there has been an increase In the amount of serv- ice rendered to the average home of 140 per cent.
 "The results of other companies In the state are similar and 1t IS this greater relative volume Of stable business together with im- proved operating economies that is responsible for the excellent hnan- cial statements of our electric utll- tiles in this period of slackened in- dustrial activities.
 with this satisfactory base to build, upon the return of industrial business, when 1t comes, should without question enable the com panies to make further price re- auctions in such classes of busi- ness as may be appropriate. This in turn should still further extend their sphere of usefulness with. we hope, corresponding increase in their earnings.
 "It is for this business resump- ton that the utilities are now max ing preparations as the strain og caring for 1t after these two quiet years will be very considerable and there must be no failure either as to quantity or to qualify of serv- ice no matter how great the de- mands."
 MT Knowlton reviews the years progress as follows:
 "1031 tO the electric utilities has been notable because it was the first in some years in which there has been an absence Of feverlsh haste to provide major additions to facilities necessary to meet the public demands for large increases in electric service. More time than usual has, therefore, been avail able for intensive study of operat- ing economies, careful selection and training of personnel and painstak- ing search for better materials and apparatus. The beneficial effects that have resulted will continue far beyond the passage of the year
 Notwithstanding the absence from construction schedules of ort standing projects of large Size, the negregate expenditures for addl- lions and extensions 10 electric utli- ity properties have been large. Electric line construction in rural areas has been n substantial con tributor 10 the total. thus pointing not only to the policy of the in- dustry to extend its service. but 10 the demand for t even In go ab- normal a period as that through whieh we have been passinR,'