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A most satisfactory feature is the large increase in the
quantity of electricity sold for power purposes, which, of
course, means that more current is being generated during the
daytime, and also that the new scale of charges is having the
desired effect of inducing manufacturers to adopt electricity
for driving their machinery in place of steam or gas. The
private lighting also shews a very satisfactory increase,
doubtless due to the abolition of the maximum demand
system, and the reduced flat rate of 3d. per unit.
MAXIMUM DEMAND.
The maximum demand upon the Generating Station
was 3,297 k.w. on 21st November, 1905 (during the period
of the Exhibition at Olympia. This, of course, was an
exceptional load, the maximum demand under ordinary circumstances
being 2,503 k.w. on 21st December, 1905.
AVERAGE PRICE
For all current sold to private consumers. This continues
to decrease, the average for the past three years being as
follows:—
1903-4 3.43d. per unit
1904-5 2.94d „ „
1905-6 2.32d. ,, „
The greater portion of the output was sold at the
reduced rates, hence the decrease in the average price.
POWER SUPPLY.
The continued advance in the use of electricity for
driving machinery is a most gratifying feature. At March,
1905, we had 180 motors of 1,208 horse-power, but we now
have 229 motors of 1,420 horse-power connected to the
mains, an increase during the year of 49 motors of 212 horsepower.
I may here add that there are a number of factories
in Hammersmith where our supply has entirely superceded
gas and steam engines, and we have not had a single
complaint, which goes far to prove that electricity is the
b.est and most economical form of power.
CHARGES FOR CURRENT.
One of the most important events of the year has been
the reduction in the charge for electricity for both lighting