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| New lighting installed by the Light Plant in 1994 throughout the downtown area |
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April 1894
The Town of Hingham takes control of its own electric utility, as directed by Town Meeting voters in two votes last year. All existing poles, wires, and other equipment are bought for $12,000 from Weymouth Light and Power Co., which continues to supply "current" to Hingham on a contract basis. Under the direction of Manager Wallace Corthell, the new Hingham utility opens with 58 customers and 300 street lights. More than $3,500 in repairs and upgrades to the system are immediately undertaken, resulting in higher voltage and better service.
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1895
"The past year has been one of progress and smoothness," reports Manager Wallace Corthell to the Light Board on December 31. The number of customers has more than doubled to 118. Street lights now total 367, including 33 new lights installed at residents' request in the Downer Avenue/Crow Point area. Nearly all lamps are lit all year, replacing the past practice of lighting most street lights only during the summer months. Standard ``moonlight" service is offered - electricity is available only during the evenings when there's no bright moonlight. |
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Workers at 176 Main St. installing overhead lines for the trolley system in 1896. Light Plant workers used similar wooden platforms for electric service |
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1898
The utility now services 180 customers and maintains 391 street lights. Older lamps have had their shades repainted to maintain a ``neat appearance." The cost of power, which was as high as 25 cents per kilowatt-hour in 1894, drops to 16 cents thanks to increased efficiencies and a growing number of customers. Next year, the 20 percent discount for prompt payment is increased to 25 percent. |
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