HINEMAIAI POWER SCHEME

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 73, 10 June 1953, Page 4

HINEMAIAI POWER SCHEME

piiE review of the progress of the Taupo Town Board's Hinamaiai Hydro-electric Power Scheme, puhlished in last issue, g-ives good ground for satisfaetion. From ihe faets given by Mr Mandeiio, the Board's consulting engineer, as t-o the inereasing rate of eoir sumptioix and the resultant finaneial prospeets, it appears to be quite clear that the stability of the scheme is assured and there will be no necessity to strike a rate. And the indication that the present interim tariff scale tixed to tide over the initial stages of the scheme 's operation, may be reviewed before very long, is a weP com oue. The establishment of the scheme has not been without difficulties arising from shortages of materials, and the many price inereases that have taken place since the scheme was first planned, and even during its eonstriietion. The present tariff scale fixed to tide over the period dnring which reticulation was taking place and nnt.il the main generator was installed, was aimed to ensure, if possible? that returns from the scheme would be such as to avoid Ihe striking of a rate. It is of interest to note, from comments made hy a number of consumers after having had their meters read twice, that the cost of power was found to be less than had heen antier patecl. Enquiries made to the Times indicate that some misunderstanding exists as to the minimum ratecharged under the present tariff. This minimum rate is 10/- per month, plus 5/- if an eleetric range is installed, and a further 5/- if hot water heating is used. If a consumer's minimum is 10/" per month, he will pay 10/- even if he uses less than 10/- worth of current. But if.he uses more than 10/worth of current, he pays for only what he uses. Some authorities charge a service fee, which is paid in addition to the charge for power actually used, hnt the local charge scale provides for a minimum charge. not a surcharge. The advice given in his review hy Mr Mandeno, that residents should make plans for wiring all new buildings for the fullest use of eleetric power for all purposes would appear to be based both on long experience and also on the now apparent prospect^ of the local scheme. It is likely that in the not distant future eleetric power costs in Taupo will eompete satisfactorily with the costs of other methods, so that the outstanding convenience of eleetric power will tip the scales decisively in favour of its fullest use.