ELECTRICAL POWER CUTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 4

ELECTRICAL POWER CUTS

Sir—According to some of your correspondents, the recents cuts in our electrical supply have resulted in an increase in the charges made in their monthly accounts. The impression they apparently desire to convey is that the cuts have resulted in an increase in consumption of electrical power instead of a decrease. An increase in the cost could also have been accounted for by an increase in the tariff. Are your correspondents not aware that the tariii varies from 4d down to l-3d per unit and that therefore, if there is a decrease in the comsumption of power at l-3d per unit and an increase of its use at higher values, the result will be a net increase in the charges over any period. , , ~ The saving in power fqr domestic light and cooking in negligible; it is common knowledge that the hours for cooking in the homes have been adjusted so that practically the same consumption of power for this purpose results. On the other hand, water heating done on the range or otherwise will be charged for at a higher rate than would normally be the case. May I illustiate by an individual case. ' The following are the total daily consumption of electrical power in units for the. first four months of this year' January 13, February 12.7, March 13.5, April 10.4. Similar figures for water heating alone are: 9.4, 9.0, 8.7, and 4.4 respectively. These figures show that there has been a definite fall in the consumption of electrical power as a result of the institution of control in power consumption. Similar figures would in all probability be obtainable from their household' accounts by any one interested, including your correspondents. ALPHA