Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-03-18

bases behind wire fences. Long
ago, Pepco encased its equip
ment in shell" houses, built to
conform with the general archi-
tectural pattern of specific
neighborhoods. In some commu-
mites. the company has spent up
to $4,000 to construct such
houses complete with shutters,
Venetian blinds, chimneys, brio
a-brac in windows and land
scaping.
Pepco officials admit, however,
that this is as much a result of
coming regulations as the COM
pany's desire to avoid commu-
nifty antagonism. Regardless of
the neat. attractive buildings,
the power company meets con-
slant opposition from citizens
groups who use three basic argu-
ments. Robert w. Wilson, Pepco
vice president, says. They fear
the possible reduction of prop
erty values. the potential en-
croachment of commercial de-
velopment through the foot in
the door" technique and in
creased radio and television in
reference from such large cleo
trical installations
In at least one case. a pro-
posed subStation has been
blocked by community opposi-
ton. Pepco now is considering
an appeal from a District Zon-
ing Board decision which denied
construction on a residential lot
in an alley at the rear of Reno
road and Harrison street NV
This substation would have
been IN operation now. Mr.. Will
son says. if the request had been
granted. Service to the area is
not Ieopardized yet, but a sta
ton must be placed in the area
soon, he declares.
In another case, the company
is threatened with legal action
TO prevent it from using a lot in
Section 4. Chevy Chase, Md. In
this community of about 600
homes near EaSt-WeSt highway,
Pepco won an exception to zon-
ing regulations.
In no case on record has
there been any proof that prop
erty values have decreased be-
cause of our building a substa-
ton" Mr.. Wilson says. I'VE have
had evidence submitted in case
after case by competent real eS-
tate men to the effect that values
are not deprecated by the type
OF substation We build"
The argument that possible
commercial development will fol-
low the granting on a Zoning
exception to Pepco is without
merit. Mr. Wilson contends, be-
cause no rezoning is involved.
The lands reverts to residential
use if the company does not con-
Struct its Substation he says.
Noise and interference with
radio and television has been
eliminated by proper devices, the
Pepco official points out.
Appliances Multiply.
Meanwhile. the demand for
electricity increases with the rise
in electrical home appliances. In
1929. the modern electric home"
had six devices. not including
the smaller appliances such as
fans. hand irons and coasters.
Today. the list has jumped to Is,
with r-conditionerS. televiSion
sets, home freezers and water
heaters at the top of heavy power
consuming items.
If this load. which has in
creased five times in the 1929-54 |
period. is to be met Mr.. Wilson
says. substations must be built. |
People want our power" but |
don't want us" seems to be the |
sentiment around Pepco.
Pepco gives it good try in /
the public relations field. For
years most power companies have !
operated a retail appliance de-
partment which permitted GUS
toners to pay for ranges. vacuum
cleaners and other devices in in
StallmentS added to their power |
bills. Pepco discontinued this
some time ago. preferring to
work with appliance firms, rather
than in competition
Today. the lower floor OF the
Pepco building at Tenth and E
streets N w. is largely a show
room for almost every standard |
appliance produced. The pros
pective homeowner or the house.
holder who contemplates pur-
chasing a new appliance can see
it there. Price tags, ratings and
names of all dealers in the Met
ropolitan area who carry the
item are available.
The home service department !
is a Storehouse of advice for the
home builder Pepco experts will |
design your kitchen, free of |
charge, and when you move in,
will visit you for a session of |
explaining to get the most from |
each piece of equipment If you
purchase an appliance from a
private dealer, Pepco learns of +
it and sends representative to
help you use the new item.
1t costs lot to build and OPP
crate an electric power company
When rate increase pleas are
made, public clamor reaches a
crescendo equal to the noise in
n r10vvor n1onf RlIt d0oc olon. |