Fundamental legislation for electricity supply to consumers

The paper examines a number of the legal provisions regulating the relations and rights as between undertakers and consumers. Suggestions are made as to the kind of revision which appears to be necessary to promote the further expansion of the industry and the maintenance of good relations with consumers. The Introduction sketches the more general fundamental items of legislation. Section 2 deals in some detail with the existing complicated provisions in the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act of 1899, which covers extensions of mains upon the requisition of intending consumers. Amendments are suggested, including provisions for periodical revision of compulsory areas, and a radical shortening of the procedure relating to requisitioning. Section 3 deals with service connections. The author suggests a considerable increase in the distance (50 yards) from a main within which the occupier of premises is entitled to a supply. Suggestions are also made to increase the length of ?free? service line to follow the general practice, and to recognize multiple service lines, to cheapen and facilitate the connection of small groups of consumers either in a tenement building or otherwise. The questions of the declaration of ?maximum power? now required from intending consumers, and the consumer's liability to pay for alterations to a service line if he increases his ?take? beyond the capacity of the existing line, are dealt with. Section 5 deals with charges for supply?minimum and maximum?and discusses control by various means. The ?no-preference? clauses of the 1882 Act are also considered. Section 6 discusses the authorization of inspection and inquiry. Section 7 deals with meters, and the suggestion is made that the provisions by which consumers may provide their own meters be deleted. It is also suggested that the Electricity Commissioners should have power to fix the basis for meter rents, in general, since they already have that power for individual cases.