COST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1787, 27 June 1913, Page 7

COST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT.

TO BE REDUCED. A lednction in the cost of eloctrio light Eaa been deoided upon by the city authorities,, The matter came before the council last night, when tho Electrio Light and Power Stations Committee recommended "that, in accordance with the recommendation of the electrioal engineer, a reduction of approximately id. per unit be made to the general body of consumer. in the price of electricity used for lighting purposes, such reduction to take effect as from October 1 next." In connection with the recommendation, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) read over to the oouncil tho revised estimates for the year 1913-1911, showing tho cffect of the reduction in lighting charges, if they were brought into operation on October 1, 1913. The figures were as follow:—lncomes Credit balance as at April 1, 1913. £15%; estimated net surplus for year to March 31, 1914, .£17,000; less concession on basis of suggested reduction (io-UU), ; depreciation fund , for year to March 31, 1914, ,£7231; total, JJ28,627. Deduct: Estimated accounts outstanding at March. 31, 1914 (payable in . April),. total, .£24,627. Expenditure: Turbine and boiler, extension of mains,, £8000, new switohboard, ,£2200; alterations to building, .£1559; total, £28,703. kstinmtwl bank overdraft as at March 31,1914, Placing the outstanding against the overdraft, there would Temain a deficit of £132 on the rear s workings Councill • Godber thought that if the council could reduce the cost of light by a penny per -unit, the cost of power could also be reduced to the same extent. He moved that after the word 'lighting' the words "and power bo insetted. Councillor Fuller seconded this, but on the Mayor suggesting that this would throw the yhole finances out of gear, the amendment was withdrawn. The Mayor pointed out that the amendment might be better moved at a later date. The original reoommondation was agreed to,