The optional-control system of domestic electricity supply

This is a continuation of the author´s previous paper on ¿The Control of the Domestic Load.¿¿ The usual objection to domestic load control of any kind is that it involves encroachment on the consumer´s liberty in using his electricity supply as he thinks fit. To dispose of this objection it is now suggested that the consumer be given the opportunity at any moment and for any period of time readily to change over from a controlled to an uncontrolled supply, and vice versa, the consumption during periods in which the load control is made inoperative being charged at an increased price. This need not be accompanied by two-rate metering or accounting, for the change in price can be effected by a gear-change device in the kWh register or in the prepayment mechanism of the meter, actuated in conjunction with the change-over in the operation of the load control. The necessary modification of apparatus is of a minor nature, and so is the extra cost entailed.