BREAKDOWN AT ARAPUNI

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23974, 15 June 1943, Page 4

BREAKDOWN AT ARAPUNI

ONE UNIT OUT OF ACTION RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF POWER (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Jung 14. The Minister of Works (the Hon. R. Semple) and the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) said to-night that one of the big generating units in the Arapuni power station had broken down. The extent of the damage had not yet been ascertained as the engineers have not completed dismantling the machine to locate the fault. The Ministers indicated that this accident will mean a cut in electric power consumption of from 7 to 10 per cent, for at least two days, and possibly for a longer period. They said that the whole electrical generating system had been working under a severe strain, producing at a much higher level than the system could be expected to carry continuously. They appealed to everybody to avoid the only alternative, which is a complete stoppage of power to certain districts for some period of the day. Every household is requested to switch off the electric water heating system from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No electric radiator should be used unless it is absolutely essential. The minimum of electric cooking and ironing should be done, and the utmost lighting economy practised. The Ministers urged industrial users to close half an hour earlier to lessen the peak load and to prevent tramway breakdowns when the majority of workers were going home. Broadcasting may have to cease between 4.45 p.m. and 6 p.m. Commandants of military camps have been asked to appoint an officer to check electricity. consumption, particularly during the peak period from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All shops, offices, and places of amusement are urged to make every possible voluntary restriction.