June, 1932] Electricity on New England Farms 53 



SUMMARY 



The general utility, efficiency, economy and satisfaction derived from 

 the use of electricity for a large number of light, heat and power op- 

 erations on the seven experimental farms have been well established. 

 Criticisms and objections to the equipment and methods have been rare. 



The analysis of total load developed by all the experimental farms 

 shows 31.2% to be very desirable, 48.3% desirable and 20.5% undesir- 

 able in the effect on the power factor of central stations. 



The better quality of electric load on farms, i. e. developing the 

 greatest kw.-hr. use in mid-summer, is particularly influenced by such 

 factors as : a greater balance of use on the farm than in the home ; the 

 use made of refrigeration in the house and for milk and other products ; 

 the use of the combination range, booster type water heaters and port- 

 able motors. This type of equipment accounted for 31.2% of the total 

 current used over the five year period. 



Equipment developing 20.5% of the total load, and concentrated 

 in the winter, comprised lighting and poultry farm appliances such as 

 incubators and brooders. 



That part of the load having negative qualities, i. e. contributing 

 even bulk without seasonal characteristics, is responsible for 48.3% of 

 the total and comprises the largest number of appliances (see table 8). 



During the height of experimental activities a maximum increase in 

 current used of 853% was made on one farm <0ver previous records. 



The average increase in kw.-hr. consumption for all farms ranged 

 from 0% to 466%. but averaged 288% for the five year period. 



The average concentration of equipment was 65% in the household 

 and 35% on the farm. 



In 1925, 36 kw.-hrs. to 280 kw.-hrs. was the range in moiithly con- 

 sumption with an average of 141 kw.-hrs. By 1930 the average of all 

 farms had reached 428 kw.-hrs. 



The farm electric load is continuing to steadily and normally in- 

 crease rather than decrease. 



The limits of use in the farm home are easily discerned, but the 

 development of electric power in farm operations is considered as being 

 only well started. 



Dairy and fruit farms have shown the most desirable characteristics 

 from the standpoint of quality of load. 



Serious difficulties with equipment have been relatively few. 



Increased volume of use has, in most cases, benefited the farm op- 

 erator by making him eligible to lower rates. 



