Kaiapoi’s power tariff to rise

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 12

Kaiapoi’s power tariff to rise

Kaiapoi’s electricity tariffs will increase 4.3 per cent from April. The increase, approved on Monday by the Kaiapoi Borough Council’s electricity committee, includes the 4 per cent increase in the bulk tariff to South Island supply authorities.

In a report to the committee, the electricial engineer, Mr Max Trumper, said the extra 0.3 per cent increase would be needed to finance the electricity department’s works programme from revenue, rather than loan money. The works programme includes completing and improving the main sub-

station switch gear for the No. 2 Island Road feeder and underground wiring in Hilton and Broom Streets. The main domestic tariff will rise from 5.28 cents to 5.5 cents per unit. The only tariff not to increase will be the night ratetariff for the supply of electricity between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. It will remain at 3.4 cents per unit. Supply charges also will be unchanged. Halley’s comet Street lights in Kaiapoi will not be turned off to allow people to see Halley’s comet. Committee members

decided there was no need to have the lights turned off. People wanting to view the comet would not have to travel far to get away from the town and its lights. “It is not like town (Christchurch). You can go in any direction for two minutes and be well away from the lights,” said Cr Alistair Blackie. Most councils throughout New Zealand have been asked to turn off street lights between midnight and 12.30 a.m. in March and April to reduce reflection and permit a clearer view of the comet from populated areas.