VOLUNTARY POWER RATIONING COULD BE SUCCESSFUL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 20, 3 August 1949, Page 5

VOLUNTARY POWER RATIONING COULD BE SUCCESSFUL

' Power restrictions were lifted at Whakatane last Friday and are to remain lifted until the power authorities can ascertain whether the voluntary rationing scheme is going \ to be a success or not, the borough electrical engineer, Mr F. W. Lysaght, told the Beacon yesterday. It , will probably take about three weeks to find out. Mr Lysaght said that there were signs that most power consumers realised the seriousness of the position and were doing their best to 'save/ There were however, quite a number who could be doing a little bit more yet. In an all electric home, he added, the power consumption should not Le more than about 200 units, if possible, less than this. This average had been struck by the council and if observed there was every possibility that the voluntary scheme* would be a success. Mr Lysaght pointed out that the commercial consumer was also required to save at least 71 per cent and if this could be done the consumption should drop considerably. To inquire into any case where y large amounts of power were being used the electrical department has an inspector who is continually checking accounts. Where any conf sumer appears to be using more than necessary he is visited by the in-

spector. Although, no indication can be given yet as to how the scheme is proceeding, Mr Lysaght said he hoped to be able to supply progress figures in about a week. The weekly consumption figures will be published in the Beacon.'