SOUTH ISLAND AUTHORITIES

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28551, 2 April 1958, Page 14

SOUTH ISLAND AUTHORITIES

- Most Charging New Rate Most power supply authorities in the South Island fixed yesterday as the date for the increased power charges, and gave the necessary two months’ notice of the increase. A consumer who had his meter read on Monday would be assessed for power used on the old scale. One who had his meter read yesterday would have to pay on the new scale. Supply authorities’ representatives with whom the Minister's statement was discussed last evening said that at first sight the method of charging was unfair; but apportionment of chargeshad been discussed, and it had been agreed that there would be anomalies and many objections. The weather affects power consumption, and, as one official said, it could be that the consumer who had his account read late last month would have to pay a greater amount than a near neighbour with a reading early this month—if the good weather continued.

Authorities agreed that it would be ideal if all meters could be read on March 31, but they have not got the staff to do that Supply authorities are charged by the State Hydro-electric Department at the end of June for the power they have had for distribution in April, May and June. They have to pay the account within 14 days, or incur a penalty of 10 per cent. “Unless we get the money in we cannot 'meet the demand, and the consumers would have to pay the penalty," one official said.