POWER PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 20610, 9 October 1930, Page 1

POWER PROBLEMS

THE AVAILABILITY RATE , [From Ouk Parliamkstart WELLINGTON, October S. Questions of general importance td electric power users were raised at an interview of the Southland .Powei* Board members with the Minister oa Works (Mr Taverner). The chairman of the board (Mr Rodgers) asked the Minister to amend the present law, so that an availability rate could, be adopted in fairness to consumers ak ready taking their proper proportion of power. , Mr Waite (member for Clutba) re* marked that Otago was also interested in this, question. ■ , Mr D. Boyd,, chairman of the Otago Power. Board, associated himself wit If the deputation on the question of rat* ing. He asked the Minister to con* sider introducing legislation on ■ tho subject. His board had taken expert advice, and found that, taking the average of twelve , power boards situated similarly in Otago, if they received from consumers the average revenue which the twelve' boards obtained there would be no need for a rate on the Otago power; area. It would be a tremendous thing if they could increase consumption among present consumers. All power boards held the same opinion regarding an availability rate, as the present legislation was not easily worked. The Minister of Works replied that ho would look ipto this position, Tho rating question' presented some dimculty, and he was not prepared to give* an opinion without complete examination. The deputation had mentioned as an alternative to their proposals to develop the Monowai scheme the purchase of Waitaki power. To this proposal the Minister replied that tho Waitaki power would be available in! about two years. An agreement was* bein'* signed between tho Government and °the Dunedin Corporation for the supply of a block of power to augment the Waipori supply. Tins would necessitate a transmission line to Huneaim involving-considerable capital cost, ana if it was further extended, southwards it must influence the price paid at the end of tho wire.