Electricity Concession of Benefit to Small Consumers

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 279, 25 November 1936, Page 6

Electricity Concession of Benefit to Small Consumers

COST or £IOOO TO HOROWHENUA BOARD.

A* a result of a decision made by the Horowhcnua Electric Power Board at its monthly meeting yesterday, a concession to small consumers of electricity will he made from the next reading of meters. After a short discussion the Board decided to amend the rates for domestic supply hy, reducing the units at the high rate from the first twelve per month at sd. net to the first ten units per month at sd. net.

“It was realised,” said the treasurer, Mr. F. J. Ramsay, in malting the suggestion, “that when the new rates were brought into operation a few consumers would be slightly penalised, and actual experience has produced some complaints from those who use only a small amount of lighting. Under the old domestic rate, carrying a minimum of 7s 6d per month, only actual units used for lighting were charged for, the minimum on lighting having been removed some years ago. It is those who use only four or five units per month for lighting who now find that their accounts have increased under the new rate of first 12 units per month at sd. With the approach of summer when the consumption for lighting is low, the difference in cost to this particular class of consumer will become more marked, and as there does not appear to be any good reason foT waiting until the usual time for considering a revision of rates, X suggest that the Board now consider making the above concession. It would cost about £IOOO per annum, of which about one-third would come into this year. The chairman, Mr. G. A. Monk, said it would cost the Board about £IOOO per year, but the treasurer’s report showed the position to be very good. He did not think there should bo any hesitation in agreeing to the suggestion. Mr. W. Barber was of the opinion that it was the right thing to do if it was possible. He moved' that the suggestion be adopted. This was seconded by Mr. C. S. Keedwell. Mr. T. G. Vincent said it had occurred to him that every time concessions were being discussed the “chiselled away at the thing, wondering how the financial side of it would turn out. He felt that if something a little better was possible it should be done. He thought that it might be possible to reduce°the rate to 4d. per unit for the first twelve. Mr. Ramsay said that in making the suggestion he* had done so in order to meet the genuine small consumer, and it was those that it would assist. He had received complaints after the recent change from small consumers and would like to see the proposal go through. Mr. J. K. Hornblow said the proposal would indicate to the Minister, now that he was going to put the searchlight on the activities of power boards, that the Horowhenua Board was doing its bit. • . The chairman said that the Minister’s statement had nothing to do with the recommendation as he had discussed it with the treasurer a number of weeks ago. Mr. Hornblow said he understood that. The proposal was then adopted by the Board.