LIGHT-WEIGHT GOODS.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 163, 16 December 1926, Page 1

LIGHT-WEIGHT GOODS.

AND LOW VOLTAGE. Power Boards’ Obligations. An interesting comparison between low voltage on electric power lines and light weight goods was drawn in a lengthy circular letter from the Public Works Department, Wellington, and which was read at Tuesday’s meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. ‘ The letter stated:— “. . . a tradesman or firm selling ‘ light weight ’ incurs the penalty of the law for defrauding the customer and low voltage can be deemed to be in the same category as ‘ light weight ’ goods. The consumer is paying for electrical supply at a specified voltage -and -this supply should be up to the required standard. The ‘ quality ’ is directly dependent upon voltage regulations and electrical energy loses its value as a commodity when variations in voltage exceed certain limits. . . . This Department is anxious to co-operate with all electric cupply authorities in providing a commodity which will he in popular demand. ... I hope. . . . all electric supply authorities will . . continue to • render the service to which all consumers are entitled.” In reply to Mr. Flatt the hoard’s chief engineer (Mr. N. G. McLeod) said that the installation of the synchronous condensors had improved the position, and people paid for what they used only. Mr. Flatt considered that the board was not giving the good service that it should. The engineer said that the Government might do considerably more, and it would pay them handsomely. Mr. Price suggested that some power boards had put in insufficient wiring, whereby due allowance had not been made for cooking stoves and water heaters. The Government was apparently trying to guard against insufficiency of wiring, and in that respect some boards had made mistakes.

The engineer explained that under the regulations the board was required to give a 5 per cent margin one way or the other. In reply to Mr. Anderson, the engineer said that the supply from Horahora at present was satisfactory on the present load.