HUTT ELECTRICITY

Hutt News, Volume 17, Issue 9, 28 July 1943, Page 2

HUTT ELECTRICITY

KATES KKDUCED

In unanimously adopting the report of its lighting rate revision committee, the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board decided last week to make the following reductions in its charges for, electricity: — Domestic Rate.—Charge for first 12 units reduced from 4id to ;Ud> leaving charge i'or higher number of units as at present; discounts to remain unchanged. Water Heating.—First y3O units per month 1-3 of a penny per unit, balance units per month ..d per unit. Commercial Kale.— Charge for first '62 units reduced from 5d to 4id, leaving charges for higher num ber of units as at present; adjustment discount increased from 5 per cent to 10 per cent; cash discount to remain. Water Heating— £-d per unit for all units metered. Less adjustment discount of 8.1/3 rd per cent. Less Id in the 1/- cash discount if paid within 14 days. Maximum, loading 2,000 watts,. Churches and Schools Rate:— Similar reduction to commercial rate buit with an adjustment discount of 10 per cent (no previous adjustment discount was allowed); cash discount to remain.

In cases where the minimum charge has exceeded 2/6, it will now be reduced to that amount.

The total reduction is £7000 a year made up of Domestic £5000, and Commercial £2000.

Although 'the board unanimously adopted the report, varying opinions were expressed in 'debate.

Mr. S. Blackley thought the reductions should be greater. The board could easily afford £20,000.

Messrs It. W. Botliamley and G. L. Giesen opposed any reduction, chiefly on the ground that- reductions would encourage consumption, which the board was trying to reduce. Mr. Bothamiey thought it was a mistake to on the present position of the board's finances; there would be heavy expenses after the war.

In moving the adoption of the report, Mr. J. W. Andrews said it went as far as could be reasonably expected, considering after-war com uiitnients and the proposal to build new offices. The Engineer General Manager, Mr. i£. F. Hollands, stated that the reductions could be made, but that the, report was not his recommendation. Mr. Hollands said that the board's water-heating rates were the lowest in the Dominion. He was nt present considering the possibility oi an "all in" domestic rate, to include water-heating.