Discussion on “purchased power in coal mines” (Eddy) and “central station power for coal mines” (Beers), Pittsburgh, Pa., April 18, 1913. (see proceedings for April, 1913)

K. A. Pauly: We are very fortunate to have secured these valuable papers on this very important subject of central station versus isolated plants for coal mines. Many of the points brought out might readily form the subjects for separate papers. Such papers are especially valuable because they give the views of engineers, who, because of their experience, are eminently competent to deal with the subject. I do wish, however, to point out and emphasize the agreement between these three engineers whose opinions are based on actual and independent experiences, representing both sides of the question. While there are doubtless large mining companies which can and do maintain highly efficient and economical electric generating and distributing systems, it appears to me to be a foregone conclusion that in general — and this is especially true of all but the larger companies — a public service corporation should be in a position to deliver power at a lower cost than it can be produced in an isolated plant and that, in addition, the service should be much more reliable.