A statistical survey of rural electrification

Interest in rural electrification is growing, and technical details of various schemes have appeared in the Journal and elsewhere. This paper contains what is believed to be the first complete survey of financial results attained on rural supply. After a review of the technical details and commercial progress of four schemes, the general financial results are divided into their components and referred to various bases. The economics of farm supplies is elucidated and then the analysis is developed to ascertain the return on capital, and the capital expenditure per consumer. An attempt to determine the economic limit of rural electrification is followed by an examination of the various items of expenditure and revenue. Following other statistical data, the conclusion is reached that technical proficiency is secondary to economic and financial control. The schemes referred to in this survey are those given prominence in the 16th Annual Report of the Electricity Commissioners.