Power supply now a commercial exercise
Under the rapidly developing "user pays" system, electricity is to be marketed as a commodity and no longer a consumer service. According to members of the King Country Electric Power Board who attended the Electrical Supply Authorities Association conference recently, power supply will now be regarded as a totally commercial exercise. The chairman, Mr Ken Street, told the board that members at the conference were "amazed at the speed" of the changes within the industry. "There is general
acceptance of government policies and boards such as this one have to fall into line," he said. Mr Ian Goodman summed up the changes for the board as a move for the government to gain more taxes from the industry. A question of concern from the board is that while boards like the K.C.E.P.B. remain under constraints, such as those set by the Higher Salaries Commission, they are losing top people to Electricorp. "Electricorp are laying off 800 people but at the same time are poaching our best people". Mr Street said this was a
major shift from the bureaucratic way government departments have operated in the past. "If they don't perform they're gone," he said. The board will hold a special meeting on November 20 to discuss how the K.C.E.P.B. can successfully operate in a deregulated industry. Mr Street emphasised to members that the "status quo is not an option." Options for discussion include a company structure, a co-operative and one nationwide supply authority. "We must accept that we are faced with total restructuring," Mr Street warned.
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 19, 6 October 1987, Page 2
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262Power supply now a commercial exercise Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 19, 6 October 1987, Page 2
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