Gas Versus Electricity in Paris and Rome, from Late Nineteenth Century Until the Second World War

The arrival of electricity in Paris at the end of the nineteenth century posed several economic and technical problems for gas companies. In the case of Paris, competition was not solved as in other cities in the provinces. In Paris, the gas company was left alone to face the emerging electricity companies and did not decide to distribute electricity itself. Instead, it has responded to electric competition in three ways. Firstly, it responded technically by choosing more intensive gas lighting systems. Second, it fought a legal battle by opposing changes to its concession agreement with the city. In doing so, it adopted the same strategy as many gas companies in the provinces, which systematically protested against the integration of electricity in the city to preserve their concession. This was necessary to maintain the confidence of the stock markets where their shares were valued. Finally, it has developed promotional means to make the cost of gas cheaper and gain sufficient sales by increasing the number of subscribers. This article will present these three strategies in comparison with what was adopted in Rome, another capital city where gas was an important commodity.