MISUSE OF APPLIANCES.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1104, 10 March 1930, Page 5

MISUSE OF APPLIANCES.

FLAT RATE CONSUMERS. Extra Electricity Used. “ There have been a number of cases brought to light since meters have been installed as to the misuse of appliances by’ consumers on the flat rate charges,” stated the manager of the Thames Valley Power Board in his report at Tuesday’s meeting. “ One case is before you to-day of a consumer using a grill and iron off the lighting sockets by way. of adaptors. This is contrary to regulations, and in the past has been the means of loss of revenue to the board.” The manager explained that the consumer in question was a sharemilker who had been paying 8s a a year for electric light under the flat rate system. The first time the meter reader -visited the house it was found that' 138 units at ,8d a unit had been used during the first month after the meters were installed. Further investigation showed that a grill and iron were connected with the light socket. This had apparently gone on for some time before the meter was installed. The consumer was not authorised to use power in his house'except for lighting. The manager had written to the consumer asking for an explanation, and stating that he would be prosecuted . He had since paid for the extra electricity used during the month before the meter was installed. The board had a standing resolution that the consumers doing this should be prosecuted. It amounted to stealing electricity, but no doubt it had been done in ignorance of the board’s regulations. Mr. H. M. Corbett said apparently the man was ignorant of the fact that he was doing wrong, as if he had been aware that his action ’ftas illegal he would not have carried on after the mater was installed and risked detection. The chairman said ignorance was no plea. Strictly speaking, the consumer should pay the difference above the flat rate for the two years he had been living in the house. This would amount to £l2. It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the executive.