RADICAL MEASURES TO SAVE POWER

Chronicle (Levin), 18 March 1947, Page 6

RADICAL MEASURES TO SAVE POWER

At a combined meeting of the Manawatu-Oroua Electric Power Board and of the Palmerston North City Uoun cil (Supply Authority) yesterday, the serious power shortage was discussed, and it was unanimously resolved to i'orward the following suggestions: 1. That broadcasting throughout New Zeaiand should be restricted to the hours of 7.30 — 8 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. NOTE: If South Island stations aro allowed on the air, North Island re ceiving sets will be used. A very large percentage of radios are operated throughout the day. The effect of a very restricted radio serviee will im press the public of the necessity for conservation of power. 2. That the sale of electrical house hold and offi.ee appliances in New Zea land be prohibited until further notice 3. That all shops and offices in the North Island close not later than 5 p.m. during the winter months (with no late night) until the power situation is eased. This shall he mandatory. NOTE: The shops in Palimerston North voluntarily closed at 5 p.m. last ■winter during the power shortage. This had a marked effect in easing the city's position. 4. That a publicity campaign he inaugurated pointing out that unless tho use of electricity in the home is restricted to a bare minimum, additional cuts will be necessary in factories, etc.

,5. That in boroughs where gas is available, new houses be conrie'cted with gas in lieu of electricity for cooking and heating. New Government offices should be fitted 'with gas lires. 6. That in view of the fact that the present shortage is occasioned partly by the low lake levels, and that similar low lake levels may occur in the future, the Government give earnest consideration to procuring one or more floating power stations for use on the North island system. 7. That the present low voltage anci frequency should be raised to prevent damage to machinery,- and loss to the dairy industry. 8. That sufficient supplies of coai should be assured to King's Wharf and Evans Bay power plants. 9. That licences, extensions oi licences and other facilities, including exemption from saies tax should he granted power boards and supply authorities to encourage them to acquire and install generating plants , (hydro, diesel or steam). 10. That in boroughs having tram services, some staggering of hours oi work in factories should be undertaken to ease the tram loads between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. 11. That to encourage power boards, etc., to reduce loads to the bare mini mum and to compensate them for loss of revenue during compulsory cut-offs, an equitable allowance should he made by the Elecricity Department during the months of the shortage of supply. 12. Present regulations that all radiators are to be off between 4 and b p.m. should be extended to include 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 13. That it is considered that the suggested disconnecting of electric hot water will not result in the desirec. saving. NOTE: As consumers have to havf hot water, the range and other water heating appliances would be used at a time which would adversely affect the peak load. These reconunendations to to. be sent to the executive of the New Zeaiand Power Boards' Association which meets today in Wellington to consider sug gestions to be made to the Government regarding the power shortage crisis.