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Water Service - Las Vegas - V X-924 attaching copy Mr. Jeffers* P-157. Los Angeles, April 27, 1929. Mr. P, H. Knickerbocker: Las Vegas Land and Water Company, under its franchise, may install meters at its own expense and apply the schedule of meter rates given in the franchise to all consumers in Clark’s Las Vegas Townsite upon notice given to Commissioners of City of Las Vegas, and also to Public Service Commission of Nevada. The application of meter rates as in the franchise will more than double the flat rate now paid by consumers. Protests from consumers will undoubtedly be made, and the Public Service Commission will notice a hearing and apply such schedule of meter rates as may be warranted upon the showing made. Subdivision A of Section 4 of the franchise authorizes the Public Service Commission to change the rates, but not to exceed the maximum rates provided in the franchise. This would seem to exclude the consideration by the Commission of an increase in the flat rates provided in the franchise, but I am of the opinion that notwithstanding this provision, the Commission would have a right to consider and order an increase in the flat rates if the facts would warrant, in lieu of the expense of the installation of meters. Considering Mr. Jeffers* letter as a whole, and his reasons why definite action be taken now rather than wait until the franchise expires in 1934, will say that the method whereby we now, and for many years last past,have served the Inhabitants of Las Vegas City with water, has been discussed with Mr. J. P. Shaughnessy, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and he was given to understand that in the near future some comprehensive system would be adopted. I now advise: (a). That all contracts now in existence whereby we serve any subdivision on a flat rate, be terminated, and that new contracts be made applying the wholesale meter rate of 8^ per 100 cubic feetj