Important Features of a Successful Plan for Rural Electrification

Electric service in rural districts is considered to be a necessity, and a plan for bringing this about in southeastern Wisconsin is outlined in this paper. The main features discussed are: (1) organization for the work, (2) rural rates and financing of line extensions, and (3) advertising and education. A type of economical line construction which will render reliable service is described. The outstanding feature of this line construction is the use of 300-ft. spans. Interesting data, obtained in a survey of a number of rural lines, are presented. The paper shows that in the territory served there were 2740 farms receiving service under the rural rate on January 1, 1926. It also shows that the general plan, which has been followed since 1920, encourages the extension of lines and extensive use of the service after farms have been connected.