TNAG-0767-FCO40-971-Supplies-of-electrical-power-for-Hong-Kong-Castle-Peak-power-1978 — Page 127

G.S. 84

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- 6 ·

XCR(78)129

Public relations

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The proposed changes are in the interests of consumers - otherwise they would have little point. But from the results of the survey (paragraph 3 above) and of enquiries by the Home Affairs Department

and

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(a) small industrial and domestic consumers will

need to be persuaded of the advantages (and

if consumers cannot be so persuaded, the change will not be implemented);

(b) the public believe that the increase in

the voltage may increase the risk of fire (paragraph 4(d) above);

(c) in the context of (b), care will have to be

taken not to confuse the public into believing that inspections planned to check on dangerous installations are not connected with the increase in voltage. As the rewiring necessary as a result of the inspections could be expensive, the public might be only too ready to believe there is a relationship.

(a)

So it is intended to proceed as follows:

as soon as possible, the Government will announce and explain the proposed changes in the Legislative Council, preferably in an adjournment debate which will give Members a chance to speak on the issue, Emphasis will be placed on the fact that the change is being made in the interests of consumers; and that if the general view turns cut to be that consumers do not want the change, we can remain on 200 volts;

(b) the Government will then form a Steering Group

consisting of:

Deputy Secretary for Economic Services

(Chairman)

A representative of:

China Light and Power

Hong Kong Electric

Consumer Council

Federation of Hong Kong Industry

Chinese Manufacturers' Association

Director of Public Works

Director of Information Services Director of Home Affairs

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