Abstract :
The paper deals with tariffs for domestic supply. A rational and practicable, basis of charging is:¿Cost, plus a reasonable return on the capital employed. Distribution costs are very heavy; their reduction requires more attention than it has received. ¿Copper cost¿ of distribution is largely (and generating cost somewhat) dependent upon the form factor (shape of load diagram), as well as upon the load factor of each section of a distribution system. This and other distribution costs do not follow the same laws as the costs of generation in respect to load factor and form factor. The cost of ¿units unaccounted for¿ increases at each step; it is necessary to measure them, and to take the necessary steps to reduce them to a minimum. A good load factor in one section does not compensate for a poor load factor in another. The consumers on any distribution network could be commercially charged a uniform flat rate determined by their aggregate load factor (i.e. taking into account the diversity factor among themselves), but this would penalize some to the advantage of others. The suggestion is that domestic tariffs should consist of a number of flat rates, based on a classification of consumers according to their loads and their class diversity factor and load factor. This will encourage domestic loads of a desirable nature. A limitation of lighting loads in proportion to other loads may be necessary at present, but domestic lighting will probably cease to be a predominant feature of the peak loads, as cooking, heating, and other domestic uses become more general.
