“Parochialism” in electricity

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32637, 19 June 1971, Page 2

“Parochialism” in electricity

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 18.

The Electricity Distribution Commission was experiencing the traditional objections of parochial interests to any change in status, the commission said in its annual report, tabled in Parliament today by the Minister of Electricity (Mr Allen).

The objections were without regard to the economies and improvements in efficiency which would result from such changes. The commission had followed the policy of endeavouring to make progress by encouraging negotiations between supply authorities, rather than by fomul proceedings, said the report "No one, least of ull the existing supply authorities, would deny that a reorganisation of the system cf electricity distribution into more rational units would promote greater efficiency,” the report said. "It is an inescapable fact, however, that while the supply authorities as a body support reorganisation, most of them oppose any dtera-

tion in their own status which would result from merger with another authority. "This applies equally to power boards and municipalities.” “LITTLE SUCCESS" It was npt surprising, therefore, that with a few notable exceptions, the commission had had little success in promoting reorganisation by mutual agreement. This appeared to be the pattern not only in the field of electricity distribution, but in local government generally, the report added. •“Quite understandably but, in our view, mistakenly, the parochial instincts of elected local body members are orientated strongly towards the status quo, and it is very seldom that the most cogent arguments in favour of merger, or similar change, meet with any acceptance,” the report said. “In this climate, the commission only can issue its own proposals after thorough investigation of all relevant factors, and rely on the statutory processes of objection and appeal to bring a viable and satisfactory final scheme to conclusion."