MISUSE OF CURRENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21546, 18 July 1933, Page 11

MISUSE OF CURRENT

WAITEMATA BOARD CHARGE AGAINST CONSUMERS SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN "There are some consumers who are definitely defrauding the board," said the manager of the Waitemata ElectricPower Board, Mr. A. Main, at a meeting of tho board yesterday, in reporting on a proposed alteration to the metering system to prevent consumers using unauthorised lighting extensions from power points and obtaining lighting at power rates. "Tho proposed change is intended principally to stop people fraudulently using electricity—in some cases innocently, but in most cases knowingly," said Mr. Main. "Tho conditions of the timos no doubt tempt peoplo to make this illegal use of power, and with any return to better conditions tho present abuso may to a certain extent cease."

A list was being compiled from meter record cards of thoso consumers whoso accounts showed a decrease in lighting and an increase in domestic power consumption during the past two years, Mr. Main stated. During the next 12 months periodical visits would bo made to inspect electrical installations Til many homes. In addition, a general warning regarding the practice was being issued to all consumers. "Magistrates are taking a very serious view of this illegal use of current, which is really robbing the whole of tho consumers," said Mr. Main, in several cases recently before the Courts magistrates were not giving tho offenders tho option of a fine, but were sending them to gaol. The same trouble was being experienced in England, where the Bench took a most serious view of the matter and was doing its best to stop the practice. The matter was being gone into thoroughly, keeping in view the possibility of abolishing tho present ordinary domestic rate and the alternative domestic two-part tariff, and endeavouring to have the whole of the domestic supply recorded on a sliding scale on a single-meter basis, stated Mr. Main. If any change was to be made, however, it was recommended that it should not operate during the present financial year, as it would affect 85 per cent of the consumers. It was suggested tho board should offer a reward of £2O to anyone giving information leading to tho conviction of any consumer found fraudulently using electricity. «• "The only way to stop this misuse of the current is to make an example of someone," said Mr. Main. A conviction would be worth thousands of pounds to the board. Even if the board spent up to £2OO in calling attention to the unauthorised use of current, it would be to a good purpose, as the loss to the board was considerable. It was decided to adopt the manager's report, excluding the suggestion that £2O be offered by the board for information of the fraudulent, use of electricity.