METER-TESTING FEES.

Under the old regulations an inspection fee of 50 cents was collected for each new and for each complaint meter and 20 cents for each repaired meter. The new regulations fix a fee of 10 cents for each new and repaired meter of 60-light or less capacity, 20 cents for each meter of this class above a 60-light capacity, 50 cents for each referee meter of 60 lights or less, and $1 for each referee meter of greater capacity than 60 lights.

The following table shows the number of each class tested and the amount of fees collected:

This sum has been deposited with the collector of taxes, District of Columbia, as required by law.

GAS-MAIN EXTENSIONS.

The commission's report for 1913 noted that work was in progress on a set of rules covering the extension of gas services and gas mains. On October 28, 1914, the commission issued Order No. 119 "In the matter of regulations for the extension of gas mains and gas services." A copy of this order appears in Formal Case No. 37, Appendix C.

Following the issuance of this order and in pursuance of section 3 thereof, the Washington Gas Light Co. requested permission to base the cost per foot of service-pipe installation until December 31, 1915, on the average costs of such installation from January 1 to September 30, 1914. These averages were compiled from the records of the Washington Gas Light Co. and were agreed to by the Georgetown Gas Light Co. A table setting forth these values was drawn up as follows:

Extract from Public Utilities Commission Order No. 119: "(3) Upon application for connection between a gas main and a house, the entire installation of the gas service pipe from the main to the meter shall be made by the gaslight company, and half the cost thereof shall be borne by the gaslight company and half by the applicant.”

The commission directed that the gaslight companies keep such records in detail during the calendar year 1915 as will permit the determination of similar unit costs of work done during that year, with a view to using such unit costs in making charges for work during the calendar year 1916.

4-inch pipe:

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION BUREAU.

J. P. SCHRODT, Inspector of Electric Meters.

The duties of this bureau comprise the inspection of types of electric meters proposed to be used by the electric lighting company; testing and sealing all electric meters to be installed by the electric lighting company; ascertaining the accuracy of all apparatus for the testing of electric meters; inspecting and testing electric meters upon complaint of consumers with a view to having them corrected or removed from the premises by the electric lighting company; investigating the efficiency of the electric supply system, the current supplied, and the lamps furnished by the electric lighting company; all such work to be carried on in accordance with such rules and regulations as the commission shall prescribe.

The work of the bureau continued to be carried on by inspectors of the electrical department of the District of Columbia under the direction of the head of that department until September 16, 1914, on which date the inspector of electric meters was appointed and the department was placed under his charge.

Work has been continued during the year on regulations governing electric service and the inspection and testing of watthour meters, and it is expected that these regulations will be completed during the first part of next year."

The commission provided itself with portable apparatus which is used in making tests on consumers' premises upon request. This apparatus is of standard make and good quality, thus insuring accurate and reliable results. On account of the presence in the District of Columbia of the Bureau of Standards, it will not be necessary for the commission to equip a standardizing laboratory. The instruments of the commission are now tested at frequent intervals at the Bureau of Standards.

Several curve-drawing voltmeters were also purchased for use on complaints of inadequate service as well on voltage surveys of the District of Columbia.

Upon receipt of a request to test a meter, the inspector visits the premises and makes such inspections as are necessary to indicate whether or not the trouble is in the meter. If this inspection indicates that the trouble is in the meter, the occupant is notified to that effect and the inspector proceeds with the testing of the meter after the required deposit has been made. If the trouble is not in the meter, an attempt is made to definitely locate such defects as exist with a view to informing the complainant. It is also customary to consult the records of the company as to the history of the meter and the monthly meter readings where necessary.

During the year 34 requests for tests of meters were received by the commission, resulting in the testing of 27 watthour meters; only one of these was found to be more than 4 per cent fast. One of the

a These regulations were adopted on Jan. 30, 1915.