[D8937AAQ], Report from William Dennis Marks to Edison Electric Light Co of Philadelphia, July 10th, 1889
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8937AAQ
→ View document with UniversalViewer
→ View document on Archive.org
→ Re-use this digital object via a IIIF manifest
Title
[D8937AAQ], Report from William Dennis Marks to Edison Electric Light Co of Philadelphia, July 10th, 1889
Editor's Notes
I have Mr. Edison's approval in bringing before you the matter of the price of light. Mr. Edison says that the Philadelphia Station, as constructed, can make more money with the price of light at $1.50 per thousand, than the New York station can at $2.--per thousand. I have his entire approval in suggesting to you that after October 1st. Tthe price of the electric light be reduced to $1.50 per thousand in gas, or 3/4 of a cent per lamp hour for each 16 candle power lamp. To produce this light in the Pearl Street station in New York costs 3/4 cont per lamp hour, when we take the total expense of a year and divide it by the lamp hours. It will cost less in Philadelphia than it costs in Pearl street, or than it will cost in 26th Street or 39th Street, when they are running full.####While we shall not reduce the price of electric light at present, I am satisfied that if we promise a redeuction beginning October 1st, so that the bill for electric light shall not exceed the present bill fo gas, we will, with proper activity in soliciation and by liberal advertising, load down our station beyond its present capacity, and greatly increase our profits. With a load of 23000 lights we ought and can produce a lamp hour at a cost of 2/11 cent, and we will receive for the same 3/4 cent. After our receipts become sufficient to cover our payroll, the increase in cost of producing light to us means increase only in coal bill and the lamp bill. If we can assure the public that we will give them more light and a better light, and that the gross amount of the bill to them shall not exceed the bill which they have been paying for a poor and unsatisfactory light, I am sure that a large number will meet the ost of wiring gladly, feeling that in so doing they are not putting themselves under an increase of constant charges against them. I think we will secure a number of small consumers who will use a large percentage of the lamps they put in and render the business more profitable than it is with the present larger consumers.####May I urge upon the Board a reduction in price of 3/4 cont per lamp hour, redoubled actively in solicitation, and in advertising the fact that the electric light costs no more than gas, posesses many sanitary adentures, and for all practical purposes furnishes twice the light.####I am, very respectfully and truly yours, Wm. D. Marks, Superising Engineer & Gen'l Manager.
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1889-07-10
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8937-F
Microfilm ID
126:376
Document ID
D8937AAQ
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University