View report page

51
10,000 volts; it is converted by transformers at the distributing
stations to a current of 2,400 volts, and is further
converted by a second transformer on, or before entering,
the consumer's premises to a potential of about 100 volts.
Being an alternating current, it is not yet available either
for power or storage. The Board of Trade have notified to
the Vestry the conditions under which they have provisionally
sanctioned the adoption of this System of supply.
The St. James's and Pall Mall Electric Light Company
have obtained a Provisional Order which supersedes the
Licence under which they commenced work. Their system
of Supply is a direct continuous current distributed
throughout at a low pressure, the potential slightly
exceeding 100 volts. This current can be utilised for power
and can be accumulated in storage batteries or accumulators
on the premises of consumers. It has thus two
advantages over the competing system of the London
Electric Supply Corporation. On the other hand, the
mains of the St James's Company occupy a larger space in
the streets than those of the London Company, and cannot
carry the current so great a distance. The Board of Trade
have also notified their approval of the system of supply
adopted by the St James's and Pall Mall Company.
With regard to the mains laid under certain streets by
the London Electric Supply Corporation, in a manner not
approved by the Vestry, to which reference was made in
the Report for last year, the Corporation have given an indemnity
to the Vestry against any loss or liability arising
therefrom, and the Vestry have therefore resolved uot to
insist upon the removal of the mains. Mains subsequently
laid by the Corporation have been laid in accordance with
the requirements of the Vestry.
D 2