METER READING BY CONSUMERS

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how many householders read their own Public Utilities Board meters as at 31st July, 1981 ; and (b) what steps the PUB is taking to promote self-reading of meters by consumers.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the month of July 1981, about 14,000 consumers or 2.3% of the total 600,000 accounts sent in their own meter readings for billing. To encourage consumers to read their own meters, PUB issues meter-reading cards with prepaid postage to all consumers who Wish to make their own readings. These cards are also left at the premises by the meter readers when they are unable to take meter readings because the premises are found to be locked.

The PUB has also been promoting self-reading of meters by giving talks in schools and community centres during which a special audio-visual show on how to read meters is screened. The PUB is now producing a new guide for domestic consumers which will include instructions on how to read meters.

Mr Teo Chong Tee: Sir, may I ask the Hon. Minister whether he would request the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Culture for a programme over television to teach consumers how to read their own meters?

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: Sir, I think that is a very good idea and I shall ask the Minister for Culture to do that.