Standard Gas Light Company was a New York City public utility which had its primary office at 173 Broadway (Manhattan), in 1890.
[1] In December 1896 the firm reported that the annual aggregate loss of New York City gas companies due to bad debts amounted to $500,000.
Its ability to maintain this rate while paying its operating expenses and keeping its equipment in prime efficiency, gave it an advantage over its competitors.
During the first years of the 20th century it absorbed its rivals, including the Standard Gas Light Company.
The utility contended that if it were compelled to furnish gas to its customers at .80, it would realize a profit of only 14.5 cents per thousand feet.