HUTT VALLEY POWER

Evening Post, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 8

HUTT VALLEY POWER

(To the Editor.)

| Sir,—The Hutt Valley Power Board consumers will in all sincerity appreciate the publicity you have given to the board's statement of balances and to the retiring chairman's remarks. His candour when referring to the board's policy and its objective towards the lowering of the price of electricity to its consumers "is pleasing, but has not it been shown' by recent correspondence that the majority of consumers have been left high and dry? I have carefully studied the board's revenue accounts, as published by you, and assume they are correct. Domestic lighting revenue shows an increase of 3.09 per cent., commercial lighting 12.6 per cent, water heating 9.36 per cent., power 13.13 per cent, and, last, but not least, cooking and heating 21.86 per cent, on the previous year's figures. To say the least, it must surpass the comprehension of any intelligent person how the board came to the decision to create a penalty against the highest revenue-producing consumer, knowing well that he is tariffed with a consumption, irrespective of whether or not he uses the current, in his monthly accounts. It cannot be said that these conditions apply to the large users and to consumers of power for industrial purposes. If the board wishes to play hazards with its consumers they do not wish to play with loaded dice. Again, may I draw attention to the fact that when the board instituted cheap tex-ms to those who desired to install stoves the consumer signed the board's schedule, form B, a contract of necessity to be signed for the board's protection. Has not the board committed a breach of contract? Surely this should not be treated as another scrap of paper? I consider it would be worth while for those 2078 electric range purchasers to levy themselves 2s 6d each to test the validity of the board's action and seek an injunction against the board increasing the monthly accounts of those who were induced to undertake an expenditure under a misrepresentation.—l am, etc., ; D. W. CAMPBELL.