INCREASES IN DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND WATER

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether there were increases in domestic consumption of electricity and water in February and March 1998 and whether he is aware of complaints of sudden increases in water and electricity bills for those two months.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: The average daily domestic consumption of water and electricity has increased by 2.2% and 20.5% respectively during the 2-month period of January and February 1998 over the corresponding period in 1997. The consumption figures for March 1998 are not yet available. The increases in water and electricity consumption are mainly due to a 3.7% increase in the number of accounts compared to February 1997 and the hotter weather.

My Ministry and the PUB have not received any complaints of sudden increases in water and electricity consumption for February and March 1998. If the member is aware of any specific complaints, he may wish to bring them to the attention of the PUB.