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Street as are in the parish. They must, also, after the same period, lay down mains
in such other streets in the parish as two or more owners or occupiers of premises
in such street may by requisition demand, provided such persons guarantee to
undertake a supply of electricity for two years of such amount as will produce
20 per cent, upon the expense of providing and laying down the necessary distributing
mains. The "undertakers" may appeal to the Board of Trade if they think
any requisition is unreasonable.
Failure to execute such compulsory works will render the Vestry liable to have
the Order revoked by the Board of Trade on the representation of the London
County Council, but experience shows that where a local authority is taking any
steps bond fide to work the Order, the above periods are not strictly enforced, and
the Board of Trade have power to extend them (sec. 21). The clauses are intended,
however, to prevent local authorities acting as a " dog in the manger " and keeping
private companies from supplying electricity without supplying it themselves.
The "undertakers" are bound under penalty to keep up a sufficient supply of
electricity to consumers on their giving an undertaking to consume for two years a
minimum quantity of energy (sec. 24).
The Vestry are enabled to charge for any amount of electricity up to twenty
units 13s. 4d., and for each unit over 20 units 8d. per unit.
Other provisions follow for the appointment by the County Council of Electric
Inspectors, and for the testing and inspection by them of the mains, works, supply
and instruments. Metres for ascertaining the value of the supply are to be used
unless otherwise agreed, and the Vestry may let for hire metres for the purpose.
Maps showing the area of supply, and the mains, street boxes, and lines from
time to time laid down, are to be made and kept corrected up to date ; and the
Board of Trade, the Postmaster-General, and the County Council may procure
copies. The revenue from the undertaking is to be applied in payment of cost of
jvorks and establishment, penalties, damages, interest on loans, instalments towards
repayment of same, and in providing a reserve fund until it amounts to one-tenth of
the capital involved in the undertaking.
The nett surplus may be applied in relief of the rates or paying off loans, provided
that where such surplus exceeds 5 per cent, per annum on the capital involved
in the undertaking a rateable reduction in the charges for electrical energy is to be
made to reduce the surplus to such maximum rate of profit. Any loss on the undertaking
is to be met out of the rates. Any moneys arising from the sale of lands and
other capital moneys are to be applied in paying off loans.
Provisions follow as to the service of notices and as to the revocation of the
Order by the Board of Trade on default by the Vestry to execute the works or
supply energy as directed by the Order.