Commercial development of electricity supply as a consumer-service

The paper approaches electricity supply from the viewpoint of the consumer. He is the raison d´Ãªtre for the electricity supply industry, and while much has been written on the complex engineering problems associated with electricity supply, relatively little has been published by The Institution on the development of electricity supply as a consumer service. The industry, however, has always felt a keen responsibility to the consumer; from the first to provide him with a cheap and abundant supply, and latterly to provide a thorough and helpful service so that he may obtain the many advantages of electrification, with the maximum value for his expenditure. The organization to achieve the requirements of consumer service is discussed, particularly in regard to personal relations with the consumer. The same personal relationship of the engineer-manager of the small undertaking is desirable in a regional organization with branch offices, but delegated authority without bureaucratic control cannot easily be attained unless the future large-scale organization of the industry is flexible to local requirements and regards consumer services as a first essential. Cheapness of supply¿an essential feature of consumer-service¿is closely related to load development and commercial control, which are briefly discussed.