VPRS 9921 Correspondence Files of the Electric Inspector re Melbourne Electric Supply Company Limited

This series comprises files containing inward and copies of outward correspondence created by the Electrical Inspector of the Department of the Postmaster-General (VA 2872), from 1900 to 1901, the Public Works Department (VA 669) from 1901 to 1919 and the State Electricity Commission from 1919 onwards.The regulation of the electricity industry was established through the passing of the Electric Light and Power Act 1896 (No. 1413) and subsequent legislation. Sections 5, 6 and 7 of the legislation specified that companies, councils or individuals could apply to the Governor-in-Council for an authority to supply electricity to a particular area. Authorisation was granted through the means of an Order-in-Council. The specified period for an undertaking to supply electricity was 25 years although this could be extended if an additional Order-in-Council was granted.The legislation required that accidents or incidents resulting from maintenance or construction of company electrical installations be reported to the Electrical Inspector. A holder of an undertaking was also required to fulfil certain other obligations which included the submission of an annual statement of accounts (Section 18 of the Act), to the Electrical Inspector. This correspondence apparently fulfils the administrative reporting arrangement between the undertaker and the Electrical Inspector. For related files see VPRS 9671, VPRS 9924 and VPRS 9959.