PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD (Single-meter single-tariff system for power and lighting)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Low Yong Nguan asked the Prime Minister if he will ascertain from the Public Utilities Board whether the Board plans to introduce a single-meter single-tariff system for both power and lighting consumption, and when the system can be expected to be introduced.

The Minister for Education (Mr Lim Kim San) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Prime Minister as I am directly involved with the Public Utilities Board. To answer the first question, I would say that Singapore is still saddled with the antiquated system of wiring and metering separately for lighting and power. If we change over to a single-meter system, which does not differentiate between lighting and power, it would mean a saving in the cost of wiring and metering. So we have asked a firm of consultants to advise us on the changing over to this system of single metering. They will present their report soon to the Public Utilities Board. It is hoped to introduce the single-meter system of electricity tariffs to the general Public as soon as it is conveniently possible.