Sydney Again Faces Power Shortage

Chronicle (Levin), 5 March 1947, Page 5

Sydney Again Faces Power Shortage

Press Assn.

RAUONING THREATENED

By Telegraph

-Copyright

Received Tuesday, 8.30 p.m. SYDNEY, Alar. 4. The city is again on the edge of power and liglit rationing because of the eomplete collapse of the coal supply. Bunnerong power-house which is responsible for electric liglit and poweT over most of tlie Aletropolitan area, has exliausted all reserve stocks of coal and is running on what can be delivered from hour to hour. The Afinister of Works, Air. Gahill, said this aftertioon that a few liundred tons were on the way but the norma! consumption at Bunnerong is 2000 tons daily. Short blackouts have already occurred in some suburbs but no actual request for rationing had been made this afternoon when Afr. Cahill discussed the matter with the Premier, Afr. AfcGirr. Yesterday the power-house received 1000 tons less than it consumed and so far the position has been the same today. The matter lias been referred to the newly-appointed Coal Commission. Afeanwhile the position is steadily deteriorating. Coal production amounting to 20,700 tons was lost today through tlie idleness .of 20 collieries, mostly due to strikes. As tomorrow is now being observed as a day of eomplete stoppage during discussions by che rniners on a general strike, no re- . iiet is likely. One of two pits which were not worked yesterday, despite the Jirection by the district miners ' executive, is being -operated today but the damage has been done and steel workers at Newcastie and Eort Kembla are being laid oft". Bpecial trains have been cancelled" and railway timetables are likely to be curtailed. The doniestic gas situation is precarious, companies holding sufficient reserve for uetween a day's and a week's service.