Power From Sault Ste Marie

POWER FROM SAULT STE MARIE

Ann Arbor May Get Its Electric Power A BIG SCHEME ON FOOT To Supply Detroit and Intermediate Cities Ypsilanti Ann Arbor and Jackson With Power

Ann Arbor may get electric power from Sault Ste. Marie. F. H. Clergue of the Canadian Soo in a conversation with a Free Press representative, announced that plans had already been perfected for supplying Detroit with electricity direct from the big power plant he has just completed at Sault Ste. Marie, and that barring accidents the "juice" would be coming this way by next spring.

The plan as outlined by Mr. Clergue is to convey the electrical current by means of an aerial system from the power station to Detroit, the cables being carried on steel towers sixty feet high and stationed 1,000 feet apart. The route which will be followed includes Cheboygan, Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron and Mt. Clemens besides numerous smaller places, all of which will be supplied with whatever electrical power they may require. The system will be extended as far west as Jackson as a starter, the ultimate aim of Mr. Clergue being to furnish the entire state with power.

"There is nothing impracticable about the plan," said Mr. Clergue. "The distance between the Soo and Detroit is a trifle less than 300 miles, and it has been demonstrated that electricity can be transmitted that distance successfully. We propose furnishing Detroit with 20,000 horse-power lo begin with, which will be equivalent to 80,000 volts. As there is a loss of about 20 per cent through transmission, it will require 25,000 horsepower at the starting point. That will make no perceptible difference in our plant there, however, as, when completed, we will have 200,000 horsepower available.

"At the various cities along the line we will have transforming stations, where the voltage will be reduced to make it serviceable, and by this system we can supply it in any desired quantity.

"We will not go into the retail field at all, at least not in Detroit, as we have no desire to compete with local enterprises. The power will be furnished the street railway and electric light companies in the desired quantities, and they will act as distributing agents, our sole aim being to furnish them with electricity cheaper than they can generate themselves by the use of coal. We have inexhaustible power, with comparatively little attendant expense, and this should result beneficially for both retailers and consumers."