Council supports idea of one power authority

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 3

Council supports idea of one power authority

The establishment of one electricity distribution authority for the Canterbury region including Kaikoura is supported by the Canterbury United Council.

The Local Government Commission asked the council to submit its favoured option in the planned restructuring of electricity authorities.

A single authority would mean cheaper power because of its greater size, more effective management of peak-load power supply, and allow better regional planning, according to a report prepared by the council.

It would also allow increased scope for employing specialist staff and technology and a single authority

would have greater negotiating power when dealing with the Government. A blend of appointed members and directly elected members to the proposed supply authority was favoured. Cr Rex Lester voted against accepting the report. He said it had too many generalities and lacked technical evidence. The area was too loosely defined without regard to neighbouring power boards. He disagreed with appointees being allowed on the proposed authority. Resource centre The United Council will consider giving money to the Resource Centre when its funding runs out late in

March, 1986. However, any funding would stop when the Regional Employment Board is set up in Canterbury some time next year. While most of the funding came from Government departments, the council had provided money for the centre since 1982 and in spite of opposition by five councillors resolved to consider “bridging” finance. U.S. base

Fears that the United States’ base at Christchurch Airport may be shifted because of New Zealand’s anti-nuclear stand have prompted an approach to. the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, by the council. The council will ask Mr Lange to confirm or deny a belief that the base might be shifted.

Cr Margaret Murray said the base was of regional significance and the council should not sit back and let it be taken away.