RATE REDUCED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 226, 13 December 1927, Page 16

RATE REDUCED

COMMERCIAL LIGHTING AUCKLAND POWER BOARD’S DECISION Reduction of the commercial lighting rate from 6£d to 5d has been decided on by the Auckland Electric-Power Board. The new rate will operate from January 1, 1928. Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, chairman of the board, gave a report on the decision yesterday. In reviewing the board’s charges, it was quite evident, he said, that the domestic rate was favourable and compared with that of any other board. The remarkable increase in electrical water-heaters proves that this rate also is favourable. The power rate was reviewed and, with the exception of isolated cases where the motors were not used continuously this was also considered reasonable. The commercial lighting rate, however, -was considered, and the board decided that this was the right and proper direction to give relief. Reducing the commercial rate from to 5d means a 22\ per cent, reduction, or in round figures that the board is foregoing in the interests of its consumers no less a sum than £20,000 per annum. This no doubt will be appreciated and prove a nice New Year gift. To show that this reduction will be far reaching the following of the board’s consumers will participate: Business houses, offices, churches, halls, boarding houses, hotels, picture theatres, colleges, schools, charitable institutions, hospitals and clubs. “The revision of the whole of our rates will depend on the completion of Arapuni, but, as opportunity offers and circumstances permit, the board will continue to review from time to time the various aspects of its rates,” concluded Mr. Holdsworth.