Value for Rate-Making (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Value for Rate-Making<br><br>At the present time, probably the majority of valuations of public utility property are being made in connection with a consideration of rates. But different authorities still hold various and conflicting views as to the principles involved in determining the basis of value for rate-making.<br><br>With the hope of helping define methods used and standardizing practice in valuation procedure, the author brought out, four years ago, the first book that had appeared relating to the general subject, "The Valuation of Public Utility Properties." Since that time, several other books have been published, many papers written and much discussion elicited, due to the development of a rapidly increasing general interest in the subject of valuation of utility properties, for the purposes of purchase or sale, rate-making, taxation or capitalization. Despite this activity, it is a disappointment to observe that terms are still used inexactly and opinions are almost as diverse and numerous as there are writers.<br><br>The purpose of this book is an attempt to further emphasize at least three principles that seem to the author to be essential in determining the fair value for use in fixing rates.<br><br>First. - To conform to the rulings of the courts the basis for rate-making should be the fair present value of the property used, regardless of the amount of the original investment in utilities established previous to the present public regulation rgime.<br><br>Second. - Present value for rate-making is obtained by making deduction for absolute depreciation only; ignoring theoretical depreciation. Absolute depreciation being that deterioration which is in evidence, existing and determined by inspection. Theoretical depreciation being estimates only, based on assumptions and computations.<br><br>Third. - Practically every utility property includes certain intangible non-physical elements, which should be evaluated and allowed in addition to the material, sensible elements. The value of the non-physical parts may vary from a few per cent.<br><br>About the Publisher<br><br>Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com<br><br>This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.