Electrical Features of the U. S. Reclamation Service

The operations of the U. S. Reclamation Service are of interest to electrical engineers not only in some of the novel developments and applications of power but also as illustrating the efforts of the federal government in the construction of works of general public utility. One of the most interesting features is the question of cost of government work, much of which in this case is executed under pioneer conditions. These costs are carefully recorded and include all of the overhead or general expenses. These costs show that during 1913, for the various plants there was a range from 0.68 cent per kelvin or kw-hr. up to 2.873 cents. The power not needed for construction purposes or for operating irrigation works is being sold at rates of 1.5 cents per kw-hr., and for excess power as low as 0.5 cent, up to 2 cents or over. For heating the rate charged per month from June 1 to September 1 per device per 1000 watts is $1.50. The experience obtained is illustrating the fact that it is practicable for the government to build and operate plants of this kind and sell the power at cost, in connection with other enterprises and with general satisfaction to the consumer. The power plants will be paid for without profit or interest and the operations transferred as soon as practicable to the communities benefited by them.