A Monopoly Under Fire
Local business leaders are organizing to form a rival power company to break the grip of the Northwestern Gas and Electric Company.
If patrons of the Northwestern Gas and Electric company and others who are waging bitter war against the company for lower rates on gas and electricity in all its commercial forms are unsuccessful in their efforts, a rival electrical company may spring into existence in Walla Walla. A quiet rumor was circulated today that a delegation of prominent business men would petition the council for a franchise. The plan is to develop 1200 horse power from upper Mill Creek for less than $5,000 to enter the field as a rival.
“The promoters declare that they have a sufficient number of consumers of gas and electricity pledged to support the new company.”
The battle over energy monopolies and the push for local public utilities remains a recurring theme in Washington politics, reflecting the tension between corporate utility control and local consumer affordability.
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