The art of lighting by Electricity practically dates from ten years ago, and it has during that period received the constant attention of both Electrical Engineers and others, who have applied the greatest scientific knowledge. The result of all this energy appears to be discouraging. Five hundred thousand pounds have been subscribed to carry on the business, and it is doubtful whether the companies which survive have a market value of one-tenth of that sum. The experience may have been bought too dearly, but the era of Central-Station Electric Lighting, which has now commenced, ought to re-establish the position of Electricity in financial circles, and afford a safe and profitable outlet for the surplus capital of the investor who buys gas and water shares to pay four per cent.

The distribution of electricity from a central-station, which was the subject of Sir William Siemen’s Presidential Address at the Society of Arts in 1882, is not only accomplished from the scientific point of view, but is also a commercial success: the power of flowing water, or the potential energy stored up in coal, wood, or other fuel, can be utilised for lighting our streets and houses at night, and during the day may be transmitted by means of electricity in the easiest possible way, and supplant the gas-engine for driving small machinery.

A paper entitled “Central-Station Electric Lighting” was contributed by the Author to the Institution of Civil Engineers, and was published in Part II. of the Minutes, 1886-87; the subject-matter has been extended and brought up to date, with the object of giving a description of the systems which are practically employed in Central-Station Lighting at home and on the Continent. Details respecting the generating plant at these stations are omitted on purpose; technical terms would also be avoided if possible; failing this, it is hoped that the accompanying Glossary will explain what is unfamiliar.

The amendment of the Electric Lighting Act of 1882 has given a fresh stimulus to the industry, and many new enterprises for distributing electricity from Central-Stations are being prepared, and it is to be hoped that the public will profit by former experience, and will discriminate between the good and the bad schemes which will be offered to them.

The organizing facilities possessed by Gas Companies make it desirable that they should follow the example of the American Companies, and take up the business of supplying electricity. The existing powers of private companies might have to be altered, but those municipal authorities who own the gasworks could certainly distribute electricity from a central-station, which might be installed at the present works. Local authorities have certain advantages over private companies owing to the purchasing clause of the Electric Lighting Act, also the power to borrow money under this and the Local Loans Act of 1875; should there be no department to carry out the business of supplying electricity, the generating plant could be maintained and worked by a contractor for a fixed annual sum.

The remarks of Lord Herschell that the “electric light is more used in the South Sea Islands than in this country” ought to be taken as not so much referring to want of enterprise on the part of capitalists and engineers, but to the Electrical Facilities Act of 1882, which has been appropriately termed a very “boa-constrictor.”

KILLINGWORTH HEDGES.

25,Queen Anne’s Gate,
Westminster, S.W.
September, 1888.