Notes on the cost of power

In engineering estimates there is probably no item which contains so many variables as that representing the cost of power. Consequently we frequently find a wide divergence of opinion as to the results which may be expected under different conditions. In all types of plants the influence of investment upon the cost of power is one which is apt to be slighted in the estimates, and if not slighted it seems to be subject to more errors than any other factor which enters into this cost. This is particularly the case with hydraulic plants, as of necessity water storage, flumes, racks, tail-race, etc., enter into the estimate, with the result that the actual cost has sometimes been found to be 100 per cent greater than the estimated cost.