ENG-1963 — Page 319

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PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

which contains some small industries and a population of fisher- folk who originally founded the company as a community project in 1913. Having since been taken over by commercial interests, the company now operates an electricity supply on a 50 cycle, three-phase, four-wire system of 200/346 volts for domestic, com- mercial and industrial purposes.

Since the company began operation on a commercial basis, the charges for electricity have been gradually lowered by means of modernizing and increasing the efficiency of the generating plant. Present rates are 65 cents a unit for lighting and 28 cents a unit for power, but a reduction of about eight per cent on these charges will be made early in 1964. Special rates may also be given to bulk consumers.

Gas. The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Ltd supplies gas to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers in all urban areas. Supply is also available for the whole of the Peak area on the Island and in the industrial community of Tsuen Wan. A wide range of cooking, water-heating and heavy duty gas appliances is available from the company. Most requirements can be met from stock and hire-purchase or rental terms may be arranged for domestic appliances. The company's workshops make special equipment while expert advice is freely available.

Gas is sold in therms (1 therm=100,000 British thermal units). The gas itself has a heating value of 455 British thermal units a cubic foot in the urban areas and 650 British thermal units a cubic foot in Tsuen Wan. There is a monthly minimum 'standing charge' of $10.60 ($24.10 for meters of a rated capacity over 1,000 cubic feet an hour) which covers the cost of the first three therms used.

Gas used in excess of three therms is charged at the following scale:

next 7 therms (up to

next 40 therms (up to

next 75 therms (up to next 125 therms (up to

next 250 therms (up to

10 therms) $2.86 a therm 50 therms) $2.81 a therm 125 therms) $2.74 a therm 250 therms) $2.62 a therm 500 therms) $2.51 a therm

next 500 therms (up to 1,000 therms) $2.40 a therm Consumption over 1,000 therms

$2.30 a therm.