Tacoma Power Trust Abandons Monopoly Stand
After fighting the city's municipal power initiative, the private power trust suddenly offers to furnish all electricity needed for the coming winter.
The power trust has come off its high horse. A few weeks ago, it declared it could not and would not give the city any more power than it was currently receiving. This statement was made just before the vote on the power plant and was expected to frighten the city into making another contract with the trust. It did not work. Yesterday afternoon, Commissioner McGregor received a letter from Manager Ramsdell saying the company is now ready to furnish the city all the power it needs to take care of the overload next winter and that the company will treat the city with great liberality in the matter. It is suggested, however, that arrangements be made as soon as possible so everything can be in readiness before the heavy load comes. The city will probably now proceed to advertise for bids for about 1,500 horsepower additional, which is the amount City Electrician Lauzon says he thinks will be required before the city plant is completed.
“The power trust has come off its high horse.”
This reflects the long-standing tension between Tacoma's private utilities and the city's push for municipal power. Today, Tacoma Power remains a public utility, and the arguments regarding infrastructure capacity and city-controlled electricity remain central to local governance.
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