Concern at Possible Reduction in Power Increase Allowed

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1943, Page 5

Concern at Possible Reduction in Power Increase Allowed

The South Taranaki Electric Power Board, which introduced new charges for water heating in order to reduce unit consumption, expressed concern at its monthly meeting at Hawera over the possibility of a reduction in the allowable percentage of annual increase which is now 8 per cent. A warning that boards must do their utmost to conserve power was contained in a letter from the . Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities' Association. The chairman, Mr. J. B. Murdoch, said the board had met the requesl of the. controller to make every possible saving, and it seemed that South Taranaki would be one of the few boards to show a reduction in unit consumution. The engineer, Mr. J. Lythgoe, reported that the board was well below the allowable percentage of increase determined by the controller in units generated. The increase allowed was 8 per cent. over that of the preceding year. With the new charges for water heating, there was not the slightest doubt of an economic improvement "and the point now arises," the engineer added, "whether the controller is going to penalise us for assisting the Government in obtaining the results we have." The engineer reported that four new service lines were erected, eight new consumers connected, bringing the total for the district to 4278. Total revenue for February meter rfeading less discounts was £4909, and for 11 months of the current financial year £57,670, reported the secretary, Mr. W. A. Sharp. Application was received from the Transport Department for power connection to operate electrically Government petrol pumps under seal at Manaia, instead of by the present hand pumps, which would be almost useless in an emergency. Free service was declined, the board expressing willingness to connect the pumps at a minimum charge of 3s a month. A gift of £1 Is was made to the funds of the Taranaki Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.