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Letter to Editor
February 14, 1921
Norwich Bulletin
Norwich, New London County, Connecticut
What is this article about?
A citizen questions the lack of public input in Norwich, Connecticut's municipal gas and electric plant operations and recent rate increases, criticizing the local commission's opposition to state oversight by the public utilities commission, which could enforce fair rates and service standards.
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Full Text
Who Said Municipal Plant?
Mr. Editor: Yes we (the citizen) have a municipally supported gas and electric plant, but is it municipally operated?
We are all stockholders in this proposition. The stockholders of a corporation rule that corporation by voting on various propositions, electing directors, etc. Have we such powers? How many of us were consulted when the gas rates and electricity rates were boosted a few months ago? How do these rates compare with those of other plants? How many of us know the actual cost to us (the plant) for the electricity and gas distributed? The citizens of Norwich do not know (excepting, possibly, a select few.)
It seems that our "gas and electric plant" commission is opposed to the proposed legislative amendment placing municipally owned utilities under the public utilities commission of the state of Connecticut."
What are the duties and powers of this state commission? The important ones may be outlined as follows:
1. Keep informed as to condition of plant, equipment and manner of operation, in so far as safety of public and employes is concerned.
2. Grant hearings in reference to complaints.
3. Has power to fix purity, quality and pressure of gas, also voltage of electricity.
4. For a nominal charge will inspect any meter requested and approve only meters found within two per cent of accuracy.
5. If plant is inadequate shall order necessary changes.
6. Upon complaint of unjust rates, it shall investigate and determine the maximum justifiable rate.
7. In any be refused service or adequate service the commission can be appealed to.
8. All utilities must make annual reports to the state commission, all such reports being a standard form.
We may wonder why our "gas and electric" commissioners object to our municipal plant coming under this state commission. Let's attend the common council meeting Tuesday night when they will have a chance to tell us why. If they cannot do so, possibly the state commission can help reveal why we have a higher gas rate than any other plant in the state also why our electric power rates are so high that they discourage
Mr. Editor: Yes we (the citizen) have a municipally supported gas and electric plant, but is it municipally operated?
We are all stockholders in this proposition. The stockholders of a corporation rule that corporation by voting on various propositions, electing directors, etc. Have we such powers? How many of us were consulted when the gas rates and electricity rates were boosted a few months ago? How do these rates compare with those of other plants? How many of us know the actual cost to us (the plant) for the electricity and gas distributed? The citizens of Norwich do not know (excepting, possibly, a select few.)
It seems that our "gas and electric plant" commission is opposed to the proposed legislative amendment placing municipally owned utilities under the public utilities commission of the state of Connecticut."
What are the duties and powers of this state commission? The important ones may be outlined as follows:
1. Keep informed as to condition of plant, equipment and manner of operation, in so far as safety of public and employes is concerned.
2. Grant hearings in reference to complaints.
3. Has power to fix purity, quality and pressure of gas, also voltage of electricity.
4. For a nominal charge will inspect any meter requested and approve only meters found within two per cent of accuracy.
5. If plant is inadequate shall order necessary changes.
6. Upon complaint of unjust rates, it shall investigate and determine the maximum justifiable rate.
7. In any be refused service or adequate service the commission can be appealed to.
8. All utilities must make annual reports to the state commission, all such reports being a standard form.
We may wonder why our "gas and electric" commissioners object to our municipal plant coming under this state commission. Let's attend the common council meeting Tuesday night when they will have a chance to tell us why. If they cannot do so, possibly the state commission can help reveal why we have a higher gas rate than any other plant in the state also why our electric power rates are so high that they discourage
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Investigative
Political
What themes does it cover?
Economic Policy
Infrastructure
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Municipal Plant
Gas Rates
Electric Rates
Public Utilities Commission
Norwich Connecticut
Rate Increases
State Oversight
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Editor
Letter to Editor Details
Recipient
Mr. Editor
Main Argument
the municipal gas and electric plant in norwich lacks true citizen control over operations and rates, and the local commission wrongly opposes state oversight that would ensure fair rates, quality service, and transparency.
Notable Details
Outlines 8 Duties And Powers Of The State Public Utilities Commission
Mentions Higher Gas And Electric Rates In Norwich Compared To Other Plants
Calls For Attending Common Council Meeting Tuesday Night