Living electrically: The British Columbia Electric Railway Company and the development of the domestic electric appliance market in Victoria, 1919-1939 (British Columbia)

This thesis examines the introduction of electric household appliances in Victoria, British Columbia between the world wars. As of 1919, electric lighting had already replaced gas, but electric appliances were still uncommon. Expensive to buy and use, their diffusion was further retarded by poor household wiring standards and uneven service from the monopoly utility, the British Columbia Electric Railway Company (BCER). This firm at first showed little interest in developing the domestic market. However, problems with industrial and corporate customers showed that household customers provided more stable and reliable revenues. Simultaneously, time payments, standardized electrical outlets, and improved wiring standards made its service more attractive to Victoria's consumers. Even so, the BCER remained cautious in developing this market though, maintaining high rates and at first discouraging the spread of electric ranges, as these intensified peak demand.; Overall, one does not find a patriarchal, manipulative corporation imposing appliances on Victorians. Consumers, women in particular, were more autonomous than most scholars suggest. Electrical capitalists trailed behind rather than led demand.