LIGHTING CHARGES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4670, 5 March 1924, Page 2

LIGHTING CHARGES.

QUESTION OF REDUCTION.

DISCUSSED BY POWER BOARD.

. Speaking at the meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board at Te Aroha yesterday on the subject of the board’s charges, Mr F. E. Flatt suggested a complete revision, the manager and engineer to bring down a report for consideration at the next meeting.

Mi- Howie said there was no doubt that there was a lot of irritation among consumers over the lighting and heating charges and the proposed 50 per cent, increase, and if: the board could prepare a table showing that even with such an increase - the consumers were not paying higher rates than the people in the towns he thought a great deal of good would be accomplished.

Mr Strange asked the engineer how the charges compared with the town consumers.

In reply, Mr McLeod said that the country power board charges for lighting were 33 1-3 to 50 per cent, cheaper than the town. The heating point charges in the country were approximately the same as the charges in the towns, and he was of the opinion that the 50 per cent, increase was fully justified. If the the flat rate was done away with the meter charges must be considered. Mr McCormick thought that if a man only took electricity for lighting purposes he should not be penalised by the 50 per cent, increase for power. The chairman said that there should be equal, charges for lighting, and no one should receive a reduction fo>- lighting alone. Mr Flatt was of the opinion that any reduction made should be on power only, and the lighting charges should be the same for all. The chairman said the board’s finances did not at present warrant a reduction in charges, and after con-, saltation with the engineers he was of the opinion that the shortage in finance for the year would we approximately £4OOO. He suggested that the lighting flat rate system for the whole of the consumers should he increased 33 per cent., and that motors only be re-1 need by 33 per cent.

Mr Flatt suggested rescinding tho present charges for lighting on the flat rate system. The chairman hoped that the argument would not resolve into One of town versus country. He thought that by the imposition of the non-consum-ers’ rate a sufficient number of consumers would be added to recoup the board to the amount necessary to meet liabilities, estimated to be £4OOO below revenue.

The chairman remarked that particulars of the charges of other power boards were being obtained, so that comparisons could be made. Another board claimed to have the cheapest charges in the Dominion, but this board’s charges were below those of that board. Further discussion was held over till the next meeting.