REDUCED POWER CHARGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21498, 23 May 1933, Page 8

REDUCED POWER CHARGES

The decision of the Auckland Power Board to venture on an allround reduction of charges to the consumers of current will be widely and genuinely welcomed. It is a happy circumstance that in one feature the concession will be visible to and appreciated by almost every domestic consumer. Reduction of the unit price for the first 16 consumed from 5d to 4d means that practically every household account will show the concession of Is 4d a month. It is not one of those price concessions sometimes announced impressively, with an accompanying statement showing a considerable annual cost, which leave the beneficiary wondering how he is the better off for it. This one is practical and visible. While the relief to the householder will have the widest effect, the reduction in the commercial scale estimated to cost £13,300 a year must not be overlooked. Industrial consumers were given relief to the extent of £31,000 a year almost exactly two years ago. The further instalment now extended, while substantially smaller, should be a useful addition to what was then granted. The general manager of the board declared that these concessions represented the limit that could be considered, and the chairman endorsed his view. Mr. Bartley said further that in normal times he would never have recommended the procedure, basing his decision to do so on the very difficult conditions of the day and the importance of giving consumers some measure of relief. The board need not fear criticism for being what it may regard as venturesome in extending concessions to the public'in circumstances such as rule at present. It has been criticised in the past for being hesitant to reduce rates when the sound condition of its finances warranted doing it. Even though, as the manager's report says, the whole of its unexpended surplus of £58,890 will be required to balance accounts during the next three years, the fund could not have been put 'to better use. Power boards are required to make, and have made, such ample provision for all capital requirements that to bank on future revenue to the mild extent the Auckland Board has done can be disregarded in the light of the benefit to be expected from this reduction in rates.