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Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers

Volume 81, Issue 490, October 1937

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Volume 81, Issue 490

October 1937

Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges
  • Author(s): J.A. Sumner
  • Source: Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Volume 81, Issue 490, p. 429 –459
  • DOI:  10.1049/jiee-1.1937.0163
  • Type: Article
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  • p. 429 –459 (31)
    The paper contains a brief review of the thesis presented in 1933 by Mr. Kennedy and Miss Noakes in their paper before The Institution. These authors concluded that the efficiency of electricity distribution had not improved appreciably during the period 1921–31, and their hypothesis has been accepted in this paper, which consists of a review of modern factors which may be contributing to the lack of increase in the efficiency of distribution.A brief comparison is made between rural and urban areas and it is concluded that rural areas quickly become remunerative and that they are not likely to have affected the efficiency of the supply industry as a whole. The rate of increase of domestic consumption is analysed for the whole country and it is shown that the average consumption per consumer using electricity for lighting, heating, and cooking, has not increased during the period 1927–35 and that it may have actually decreased during that period, owing to the connection of large numbers of domestic consumers who use only a small quantity of electricity for the minimum purposes, and. who are not subsequently increasing their annual consumption.In order to examine the causes of this lack of development in domestic supplies an analysis is made of the average charges of each undertaking for domestic and power purposes, and the relationship between charges and consumption is also considered. The differentiation between the charges for power and domestic supplies is shown to be irrational if domestic development is envisaged on broad and progressive lines, and it is suggested that domestic supplies may be subsidizing power supplies in many instances.Finally, the factors mentioned above are shown to be likely to affect seriously the trend of supply development in the immediate future, and the conclusion is reached that the very necessary expansion of development must be controlled and directed in a more co-ordinated manner. It is suggested that the expansion of demand must be preceded by a reduction of charges for domestic supply and a halt in the downward trend of charges for power. The alteration in charges must be accompanied by a greater unification of tariffs and charges which may ultimately be achieved by voluntary arrangements between undertakings but which can only be achieved quickly by means of a single executive authority which would have the exclusive right to direct and initiate the unification of tariffs and charges.Three reasons are advanced in the paper to account for the mal-development of the domestic supplies, viz.:—(1) Prices for domestic supply are generally too high to permit of the extensive use of electricity, and reductions in price tend to follow an increased demand, instead of preceding: isfe., As a result the domestic load continues to be restricted, the fixed charges per unit sold remain high, and a condition of expanding demand with consequent falling costs becomes impossible of achievement. This is particularly true for undertakings supplying less than 10 million units per annum.(2), Electricity for power purposes is sold, in many cases, at charges which are unremunerative and which are considerably below the equivalent cost of production by private plant. The effect of this is to place on domestic charges a burden which prohibits the domestic load from increasing to the point at which its inherently high diversity makes it profitable. This applies chiefly in the case of the larger undertakings.(3) The absence of a unified tariff basis and a unified scale of charges for electricity causes anomalies and inequities which have a psychological effect in deterring consumption.
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Discussion on “Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges” before the Institution, 11th March, 1937
Discussion on “Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges” before the North Midland Centre, at Leeds, 16th March, 1937
Discussion on “Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges” before the Scottish Centre, at Edinburgh, 23rd March, 1937
Discussion on “Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges” before the South Midland Centre, at Birmingham, 5th April, 1937
Discussion on “Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges” before the North-Eastern Centre, at Newcastle, 12th April, 1937
The author's reply to the discussions on “Modern factors affecting electricity costs and charges” at London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Newcastle
The examination and recording of the human electrocardiogram by means of the cathode-ray oscillograph
  • Author(s): Douglas Robertson
  • Source: Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Volume 81, Issue 490, p. 497 –509
  • DOI:  10.1049/jiee-1.1937.0170
  • Type: Article
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  • p. 497 –509 (13)
    The cathode-ray oscillograph, having no inherent inertia and yet being comparatively indestructible, is an instrument peculiarly suitable for everyday electrocardiography. A fluorescent screen of very long afterglow enables the electrocardiogram to be examined directly at the patient's bedside, which is a new facility.The design of the amplifier has to be adapted to the peculiarities of the heart-action voltages and electrical constants of the patient; these are considered in some detail, and practical methods for the examination' of the adequacy of the amplifier are discussed.The provision of a high-voltage supply suitable for any eventuality is considered, together with methods of obviating interference, especially from alternating-current mains.
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Discussion on “The examination and recording of the human electrocardiogram by means of the cathode-ray oscillograph” before the Institution, 8th April, 1937
Coin mechanisms, with particular reference to electricity meters
  • Author(s): J. Prince  and  M. Whitehead
  • Source: Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Volume 81, Issue 490, p. 515 –544
  • DOI:  10.1049/jiee-1.1937.0172
  • Type: Article
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  • p. 515 –544 (30)
    The general principles underlying coin mechanisms are considered and analysed, also their relations to coins and tokens. Outstanding historical examples are described, followed by the consideration of some modern applications.The application of coin mechanisms to electricity meters is dealt with. The influence of tariffs and the reasons and justifications of this method of revenue collection are discussed. Essential points of operation and the conditions of optimum performance are considered.Finally the paper deals with frauds, foreign practice, and testing, in relation to electricity meters.
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Discussion on “Coin mechanisms, with particular reference to electricity meters” before the Meter and Instrument Section, 2nd April, 1937
Further communication to the discussion on “The efficient rating and disposition of supply apparatus on high-voltage urban systems”
Directions for the study of hard composite dielectrics (mouldings, sheet, and the like)
  • Source: Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Volume 81, Issue 490, p. 553 –564
  • DOI:  10.1049/jiee-1.1937.0175
  • Type: Article
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  • p. 553 –564 (12)
    As a result of the experience gained since the issue of Refs. B/Sl and B/S2 it has been found desirable to modify several of the tests hitherto applied to hard composite dielectrics (mouldings and the like) and to introduce a series of “temperature grades” which, although purely arbitrary, are closely related to the different classes of composites in general use.The tests described in this report are not intended as acceptance tests in the purchase of such materials, but it is anticipated that the British Standards Institution will issue a series of purchasing specifications, based largely upon these recommendations, which will define appropriate limits to the specified electrical and mechanical properties for the class of materials covered by this report.The Director of the E.R.A. will welcome comments and suggestions from those who may have occasion to make use of this report.
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Discussion on “The electric supply system in Berlin” before the Western Centre, at Gloucester, 11th January, 1937
Discussion on “The electric supply system in Berlin” before the Western Centre, at Plymouth, 19th April, 1937
The author's reply to the discussions on “The electric supply system in Berlin” at Gloucester and Plymouth

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