COST OF ELECTRICITY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5497, 6 November 1929, Page 1

COST OF ELECTRICITY.

USE OF METERS. REDUCTIONS PROBABLE. Many of those farmers on the Hauraki Plains whose consumption of electricity is now measured by meter were surprised recently when they received their first account on this basis, and there is no doubt that they will have economies effected in the future. In fixing its charges the Power Board endeavoured to make the flat rate produce the same revenue as would be produced if payment were by meter and the power was not wasted. Because flat-rate consumers did not conserve electricity by switching off lights when they were not required, and many farmers made a practice of leaving their kettle on all night so that the water would be boiling for their early morning cup of tea, and because many motors were kept running longer than was necessary, more electricity was being used by flat-rate consumers than they were justly ehtitled to use, considering the amount they paid in proportion to that paid by consumers with meters. Hence the board’s decision to have meters installed generally. In houses where there are a large number of lights and power points the charge by meter is usually much below the flat rate, and consumers will probably find that if the power* is used economically the installation of meters will mean a reduction in their accounts. With the wider use of electricity by commercial • concerns, and the steady advancement in the numbers of electric ranges, coupled with the elimination of waste due to the installation of meters, the Power Board’s peak of maximum demand will cease to be caused by milking machines, and the consumption will be more even throughout the day. As the board has to pay a flat rate for its electricity on the basis of the highest maximum demand in any half-hour in each three months, the more even the consumption throughout the day will enable the charges to be generally reduced to all consumers.