The hourly charge for the use of Harvard's new word processors--installed last mouth--will drop from $3 to $1, effective this afternoon, an advisory committee of administrators and House representatives decided last night.

The Digital Company donated the 10 units, which are now in Currier, Leverett and Mather Houses and the Freshman Union. The company hopes to determine whether or not there is a need for the word processors in a college setting.

But officials have reported a lighter than expected usage; average usage is two hourse per day unit, said Lewis A. Law, director of the Science Center.

He added that the low usage was one of the reasons for the committee's decision to lower the rate. They also hoped to assist students in finishing their final papers, said committee member Martha L. Gefter, associate dean of the College.

Some students who have used the word processors have complained about operating difficulties, Law said.

In addition to providing instruction manuals, training sessions have begun at Mather House in response to the complaints.