CORONATION WEEK

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 171, 16 April 1937, Page 6

CORONATION WEEK

Encouraging Lighting Displays POWER CONCESSIONS Concessions in electric power charges so as to encourage the use of electricity for illumination displays during coronation week were the subject of a report by the engineer and general manner of the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board, Mr. E. F. Hollands, adopted at a meeting of the board yesterday. Submission of the report followed on a motion carried a fortnight ago requesting a report on the question of the intended charge for power to be made for coronation lighting displays in shopping centres. It was further suggested that the Public Works Department should be written to and asked if it would be prepared to disregard that week in connection with the quarterly peak with a view to. enabling the board to sell current for this purpose upon the lowest possible basis. Mr. Hollands advised the board yesterday that the department had been written to, but a reply was still awaited. Mr. Hollands recommended that for interior lighting all units in excess of the number used over the same period last year should be charged for at the rate of oqy halfpenny per unit net. Where this was not applicable arrangement could be made on application. He pointed out that this in. effect would allow the consumers a special concession for the month of May only, otherwise the heavy cost of reading the meters during the one week would be out of proportion to the low charge recommended. For exterior lighting the suggestion nut forward was that all excess exterior lighting, except that now passing through the meter, should be assessed on wattage installed at a not charge of one halfpenny per unit, plus any special labour and material charges for connection to the board’s reticulation. Restrictions set down Cor both interior and exterior lighting were that all excess lighting was not to be switched on until 6 p.m.. and any used before that 'time would be charged for at ordinary rates. Mr. Hollands- pointed out that his recommendation for the special low unit charge was based on its special use, and could not be considered for any other purpose. It was below actual cost, and in effect a special consideration by the board. Should the weather conditions be • severe the board could make the necessary arrangements to have special illuminations switched oil, on off-peak loading. Mr. J. W. Andrews, mayor of Lower Hutt, said he felt sure the public bodies would be pleased to know the board was prepared to assist.