Evening star., 1934-06-24
Depression-Proof
Industry Emerging
BY HARDEN CoLFAX.

The "depreSsion-proof" industry, as
the electrical business is proud of re-
ferring to itself, has now emerged,
practically uninjured, from the
depths" A Federal Government sur
vey reports that the electric utility
plants of the country generated and
distributed nearly per cent more
energy in 1888 than they did in 1882.
In 1881 and 1882 the industry was
not so sure that it was depression
proof" Figures from Government
and private sources now indicate that
it never was very much affected by
business conditions. The Edison
Electric Institute reports that, in the
twelve months ended April 80 the
revenues of the light and power COM
panies in the United States showed a
gain of l per cent, the first time an
increase has been recorded in any
twelve-month period since 1881. Last
year the average domestic consumer
used more electricity than he did in
1882 and 81 per cent more than even
in the boom year of 1929.
y X
The Bureau of the Census made a
survey of electric light and power
companies for 1882, showing the 1850
privately owned and municipal plants
Of the country combined were serving
nearly 24.000,0O0 consumers. They
used in that period nearly 66.000,0 ,000.-
900 kilowatt hours, for which they
paid just over 81 800, 100000.
Government surveys of power re-
sources, electric output and current
rates are being carried out by the
Federal Power Commission and the
Geological Survey of the Department
Of interior. The Power Commission
began to study power resources sew
eral months ago. 1t has come to the
conclusion that any such survey must
revolve around the answers to the
two great problems: ID What are the
present and future requirements of
continental United States? (2) From
what sources can these power require
ments be supplied most economically
and efficiently in the public interest?
The study will aim to estimate the
consumption needs for electricity
when the industries of the country
resume normal operation and when
domestic and rural consumers have
regained their normal purchasing
power"
Not only engineers and political
leaders, but the ultimate consumers
OF electricity are looking toward the
great experiment in the Tennessee
Valley for important results In the
use Of the electric current. The other
day David Lilienthal, member of the
y. v. A.. speaking of the new Electric
Home and Farm Authority, Inc. or
gahzed to place appliances In the
areas affected by the operations of
the 7. V. A, stated that there are an
proximately $4,000 connected electric
consumers In the seven States of the
Tennessee Valley. This year he esti-
mated there will be a market in that
area for more than $4,000. 600 worth
OF electric appliances, such "A re-
AEigerators, ranges and water heaters.
Inis Home and Farm Authority
mas been set up. Mr.. Lilienthal points
out, 50 that it can be extended an
over the United States, under proper
conditions, and I'm such a way that
private capital can be thrown in with
private credit"
A private organization, the National
retail Dry Goods Association, will
undertake a thorough survey of what
1t calls the major electrical appli-
ance merchandising in the United
states, Facts about household ma
chimes used will be included and in.
formation will be requested from a
large range Of consumers by q ques-
Copyright, I934.)