PRESENT CENTRAL STATION CAPACITY IN THE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY.

The article addresses the issue raised by the U.S. Federal Power Commission's first report of the National Power Survey that claimed that critical power shortages were anticipated in almost every section of the U.S.. This claim was challenged by the Edison Electric Institute which responded that the industry could support a 20% increase on its current load. The article explores capacity ratings and load measurements, the National Power Survey report, the Edison Electric Institute response, and capacity factors. The article finds the studies lacking and suggests that in the future, the question of electric power capacity must consider a comparison between capacity and consumer requirements that extend over larger geographical areas with regard to inter-company transfers of power.