Cheaper Power Tariff For Commercial Purposes

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 98, 27 April 1937, Page 4

Cheaper Power Tariff For Commercial Purposes

ALL CONSUMERS WILL BENEFIT,’ SAYS MR. HODGENS.

Mr J. Boyce presided at a meeting of tho executive of the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board yesterday, when estimates for tho coming year were adopted, including a reduced tariff for domestic consumers. Others present were Messrs J. Hod gens, M.P., M. A. Eliott, N. Campbell, E. O. Bond, W. McKay, J. H. Mason, W G. Shannon, J. Bickers and P. G. Guy. Tho estimates, as adopted, leave a surplus of £B5l after providing for expenditure of £95,124 and receipts of £95,975. Tho following reduced tariff, from April 3, was decided upon by the board, domestic consumers benefiting from the alteration: — First 15 units per month, at 5d per unit (6d less Id); next 20 units, at 2d per unit (3d less Id); next 05 units at lid nett; balance at l£d nett. The previous schedulo was: First 15 units, at 7d per unit; next 25 units, at 3d; next 60 units at lid; the balance at l^d. Tho estimated cost to tho board is £3600 on the first step and £SOO on the second step, a total of £4IOO. Mr Eliott pointed out that the domestic tariff was below the commercial tariff. “I do not know if it is quite fair,” he commented. * ‘ We are not planning to touch the commercial tariff this time, ’ ’ the actingchairman commented. “1 don’t think there is any great hardship; they have had their reduction.” Mr Eliott said he had received several complaints from commercial consumers, some of wliorn were discontinuing their service. They should, instead, be encouraged to take more power, he said. “There is this aspect strikes me—every consumer will benefit from the tariff,” said Mr Hodgens in complimenting the executive on their recommendation. He felt it was something that would be very satisfactory. There remained the minimum charge of 4s 6d which some very poor people had to pay and in some cases it was aggravating.

Mr Guy generally agreed with the proposal, but thought the cheaper rate might be extended in view of the greater revenue to Pe obtained in future from the Palmerston North City Council.

Mr Eliott thought the concession was big enough. Mr Boyce said there was nothing to hinder the board making a further reduction in October if the finances warranted it. Ho believed the reduction already planned was a handsome one. The minimum rato might in some cases bo a hardship, but it was not largo for the service the board gave. He did not think anything could bo done in this regard. It was docided to reduce tho minimum charges to schools and churches from £2 14s to 30s per annum.

A number of salary increases were made.