ELECTRICITY CHARGES

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30998, 2 March 1966, Page 18

ELECTRICITY CHARGES

Protest In Hornby

A protest at the proposed increase in electricity charges by the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board was made at a meeting of the Hornby Residents’ Association last evening. Seven members, including the chairman and secretary, attended. A statement was read by Mrs B. A. Guydin, which she said would be circulated among members of the National Federated Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association. The statement referred to “empire building” activities of the Central Canterbury board, which until 1962 had been the Springs-Ellesmere board. There had been a reasonable balance between urban and rural areas. Then the Banks Peninsula area was taken over. There was no reduction in charges for urban consumers—instead they were faced with an increase, said the statement.

A small number of local consumers took the matter seriously, said Mr E. P. Winter. Obviously the cost of reticulating such a vast area was more than the area itself could support and the urban areas had to foot the bill for reductions in rural areas. This was 20 per cent for Malvern and in excess of 20 per cent for Banks Peninsula.

It was grossly unfair to make blanket increases, especially when the increase was to meet loans spent in rural areas, said Mr Winter. Not only would the power bill be increased, but rates would be increased if street lighting costs went up. A motion was passed that a sub-committee be formed to take action on the matter, to protest at the increase, and to protect consumers’ interests.