POWER POSITION SERIOUS: CUTS MAY BE INTRODUCED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 65, 16 March 1949, Page 5

POWER POSITION SERIOUS: CUTS MAY BE INTRODUCED

lx Voluntary Saving \ < Scheme Desired \ The quota of electricity avail- ] able to the Whakatane Borough | has been considerably exceed,- ! ed in the last few weeks and i unless there is an immediate decrease in consumption power

restrictions, similar to those en-

■ lorced last winter, will have to be introduced, it was report- | ed by the electrical engineer, ! Mr F. Lysaght, to the Whakai tane Borough Council on MonI day night. This matter was previously referred to the Finance and Electrical Committee of the council, who had decided to immediately set back hot water time switches. To emphasis £he seriousness of the position a circular had been sent to all consumers requesting an immediate saving of power units. Should restrictions have to be enforced the committee decided that last year’s scheme would only be used as a last resort. To find alternative systems the Auckland and Taranaki Power Boards have been contacted for information concerning their individual rationing schemes.

dould Be Avoided Concern at the seriousness of the .'power position was expressed by several councillors. If there was any way whereby restrictions could be avoided such a course should be taken. This was the desire of most members.

r The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, said he felt'confident rationing could be avoided.

“If consumers will only co-oper-ate and save electricity where they can then we will get through without a compulsory rationing scheme,” he added. “Although Whakatane was granted an increase of four per cent the present consumption has risen to such an extent that we are .now over the allotted quota. The increase has really not been of much use.”

If the consumption could be cut • Councillor A. D. O’Rourke suggested that the public should be told how the saving was proceeding. A barometer or some such scheme ■ could be used.

Agreeing with Cr O’Rourke, Mr Barry said he would rather a voluntary saving than compulsory rad Honing.

“And we can get it too,” he declared. “But everyone will have to work ' for it. The borough' council' cannot ■do it without the co-operation of .every consumer.”