COST OF ELECTRICITY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 89, 16 April 1938, Page 8

COST OF ELECTRICITY

REDUCTION SOUGHT

COMMERCIAL LIGHTING "We are definitely committed to ask for an early consideration of the lowering of the rates charged for commercial lighting," said Mr. W. J. Gibson Hughes, who led a deputation which waited upon the WanganuiRangitikei Electric Power Board at its monthly meeting on Thursday. The deputation represented the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce and the Wanganui Tourist and Development League. Other members of the deputation were Messrs. A. E. Rankin and G. Pownall.

Mr. Hughes stated that the action was being by business people in view of the statement of the chairman of the board that it was hoped to give further consideration to the matter of reducing standing rates for lighting still further. Rates paid by commercial consumers, said Mr. Hughes, were: 5d for the first 50 units: 4 for the next 250 units; and 3d for the balance. The rest of the community paid 5d a unit for double the number of units as there were rooms in the dwelling and lid a unit for all electricity consumed over the minimum required. It was submitted that there appeared to be a need for an explanation for the difference in charges for the same commodity, said Mr. Hughes. A reduction in the price of electricity would be of great assistance to the business community, who were finding it increasingly difficult to meet the rising overhead costs. “We assure you that your representation will be considered," said Mr. F. Purnell, chairman of the board, in reply to the deputation. “We are unable to say more at present, as this happens to be the last meeting of the present board. We do not know yet what the results of last year’s operations will be, but we do know that we have had a good year. We also know that expenses have been considerably higher. The fixing of a tariff is not as simple as it looks and depends on for what purposes the electricity is used. When the board knows what its financial position is, it will be in a position to say what will >e done. But that is a matter for the ncoming board. We can give you our sssurance that the prices will not be raised. That, at least, should be satisfactory when business people are facing rising costs in other directions." Mr. Hughes said the deputation had hoped that some explanation would be given as to how the commercial rate had been arrived at. Such information desired would be readily given by the board’s secretary at any time they cared to call at the office. No doubt they would get a lot of valuable informatlon in this way.