REDUCED CHARGES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 82, 30 December 1937, Page 6

REDUCED CHARGES

Possible Reduction by H.B. Power Board INCREASED DEMAND A reduction in charges for the use of electricity next year is forecasted by Mr. T. E. Crosse, chairman of the Hawke's Bay Eleotric Power Board. As a result of the support given by thei consumers during the past year, Mi. Crosse anticipates that such a course can be decided upon by the board in May next, when the tariff for the ensuing year will be under review. In a recent interview Mr. Crosse stated that, of late, there had been an increasing demaiid for power, especiully by settlers in country districts. Labour legislation was makingj the cqtting of firewood almost prohibitive and settlers were finding it much cheaper to make use of electricity apart from tho. convenience that it affprded. The board, he explained, had been fortunate in being able tp carry out its extensive reticulation, which was being added to each year, without having to make any call upon the ratepayers, Tbe prudent poliey . adopted by the bbard since its inceptiop had enabled charges to be steadily reduced, although there had been erected many miles of new construction serving the more. remote country areas. The board's loan liability was being reduced from year to year, " said Mr. Crosse, who anticipated that, when the present generation reached maturjty, the whole of the indehtedness WQUld he wiped off. With the reticulating sysr tem throughout in good order, consumers would not have to pay any mo-4 than half of the present- day rates for the use of electricity.