ELECTRIC POWER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 173, 24 July 1942, Page 6

ELECTRIC POWER

PROBLEM OVERCOME

CONSUMERS HELP IN WINTER (0.C.) WELLINGTON, this day. The danger of overloading the Dominion's hydro-electric generating system this winter, particularly in the North Island, has now passed, and the Department does not anticipate any further difficulty in maintaining supplies. An abnormal rainfall this winter was welcomed in one quarter at least, for it enabled the whole generating system to work at full capacity.

At the worst period of high demand, effective co-operation bv consumers helped to save the situation. The peak of power demand was reached this year during the first week in June, instead of well on in July.

Faced with grave danger of overloading and consequent breakdown of generating plant, the Hydroelectric Department imposed a ban on the use of radiators in business premises and factories between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and private consumers were also urged to assist in the same way. The response was remarkably good, for on the average ciui ing a cold snap in July the peak n a L W Ki reducetl by approximately 10,000 kilowatts.

The increasing pace of industrial development in the Dominion is throwing further loads on the electric supply system, though war conditions prevent the expansion of generating equipment. The co-operation of power boards has been readily given in a rationing tr su W l y this year being limited to 6 per cent above that of the previous year. The only immediate prospect of additional generating power is at the lower Waikaremoana station. d e

One generator and turbine have arrived in New Zealand, and will probably be operating in September