Power tariff-cut bid

Press, 11 August 1979, Page 1

Power tariff-cut bid

Parliamentary reporter A tariff cut of up to 25 per cent in the cost of bulk electricity to the South Island is being considered by the Minister of Energy (Mr Birch). A deputation from various South Island authorities spent more than an hour with Mr Birch yesterday, stating the South Island’s case. The spokesman for the deputation, Mr D. R. Dowell, of Timaru, said after the discussion that the deputation had put a case

emphasising the necessity of using electricity for heating in the South Island, and the problem of increased costs suffered by South Island commercial enterprises. “Mr Birch said that he would examine the position and let us know,” Mr Dowell said. “He had to see other people, including the Electricity Department and power boards, and could not tell us when to expect a decision.” The Deputy Mayor of Christchurch (Mr P. J. R.

Skellerup) said that the differing charges for electricity imposed by the power boards had been mentioned. When reminded that Mr D. L. Kidd, the National member of Parliament for Marlborough, had said that the Christchurch charges were among the highest in the South Island, whereas Marlborough’s charges were the fourth lowest, Mr Skellerup said: “But we must remember that it is much warmer in Marlborough.”