PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22321, 12 April 1944, Page 4

PUBLIC OPINION

CURRENT VIEWPOINTS

ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE (To the Editor) Sir.—At the outset of the commercialising of electric power and until recently, there was a surplus of power hence it was the policy of the Government and power boards to encourage the utmost consumption of electricity. Thus the charge per unit was greatly decreased for quantity consumption. Now that the surplus of power has been superseded by a shortage, surely this policy should be reversed and the charge increased after a reasonable number of units have been consumed, the basis of which could be the average quantity consumed bv each householder, less say 10 per cent, or more if such economy is essential. As far as installations in new houses are concerned, the allocation of power could be rationed so that the customer would pay heavily for excessive- consumption. Even as far as industry is concerned, if the same principle were employed, great savings could be made, because executives would ensure that no power was wasted. This change of policy would touch our pockets, and is the one best means of making people economise in the use of electricity. It would certainlv do more to avoid the national breakdown which threatens than the controversy which js raging between the power boarefe and the Minister. It appears that the Government is doing everything possible to get plant for the generation of additional power. Even should the equipment arrive it will not be in operation soon enough to avoid serious inconvenience, so no good can come of the power boards vilifying the Minister. What we want is action now.—l am, etc., ALISTER BEVIN.