[D9224AAD], Report from William Dennis Marks to Edison Electric Light Co of Philadelphia, July 10th, 1889
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9224AAD
Transcription
To the President and Board of Directors Edison Electric Light Co., Philadelphia, Penn. Gentlemen, 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 Oct. 1st the price of the electric light be reduced to $1.50 per thousand in gas, or ¾ of a cent per lamp hour for each [illegible words]. To produce this light in the Pearl St. Station in New York costs about [illegible word] per lamp hour, when we take [illegible word] total expense of a year and divide it by the lamp hours. It will cost less in Philadelphia than it costs in Pearl St., or than it costs in 25th St. or 39th St. when they are [illegible lines]. At present we are selling to our large [illegible lines]. [illegible word] become sufficient to cover our payroll, the increases in cost of [illegible word] light to us means increases only in coal bill and in lamp bill. If we can secure the of constant charges against them. I think we will ensure a number of small consumers who will use a larger percentage of the lamps they put in, and [illegible words] more profitable than it is with the present larger consumers. [illegible word] urge upon the Board a reduction in price of [illegible word] per lamp hour, redoubled [illegible words], and in advertising the fact that the electric light costs [illegible words] possesses many sanitary advantages, and for all practical purposes [illegible words] the light. I am respectfully and truly yours, Supervising Engineer & General Manager [Marginalia] I sent the other letter to Twombley acknowledge [illegible] to Marks say that I am highly pleased wit results + have sent his letter to the powers that be [remainder illegible]