Charging for electricity in the early years of electricity supply

• DOI: 10.1049/ip-a-1:19850092
• Publication Date: 1985-12-01
• Authors: Neil Brown
• Keywords: Mains electricity; Electricity retailing; Electricity meter

The paper begins by outlining the difficulties which faced early electrical entrepreneurs when they tried to devise methods of charging for electricity supply were fair, accurate and economic. It discusses alternatives fully metered supplies, also arguments about relative merits energy quantity meters. major part describes most important types meter how developed over a period ten years from opening in 1882 Edison's Holborn Viaduct system, where meters first used. Detailed technical descriptions are not given, but references this information quoted possible. An attempt is made show widely different designs used give opinions contemporary engineers them.