Rising electricity prices take their toll on town councils

Town councils around the island are feeling the heat of rising electricity prices: The Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, for instance, has seen its utility bill balloon to S$8.2 million in the last financial year, an increase of almost 40 per cent over the last five years.

But, even as town councils brainstorm ways - with at least one seeking suggestions from residents - to manage growing bills, town council chairmen reassured that, at this point, there was no need to consider raising residents' service and conservancy charges (S&CC).

For instance, in a message recently put up on the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council website, Member of Parliament Hri Kumar used his first message - which was titled "A Very Nasty Shock" - as town council chairman to share his concern on the rising utility expenditure.

Mr Kumar said the town council is thinking of ways to reduce its electricity consumption. It has implemented an alternative lighting system for several blocks, where every other corridor light is turned off after midnight. The town council also aims to change more than 80 per cent of the fluorescent lighting in the estate to LED by 2016.

He wrote: "I ask for your understanding and support for these changes. I also ask that you join us in this fight against rising costs by suggesting ways the town council can reduce its expenses and stretch your dollar."

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