Power Supply Statement Held Misleading

Chronicle (Levin), 14 February 1948, Page 4

Power Supply Statement Held Misleading

S Commeht on the recent; sta.te;m#nt by the"* Electricity Controller, Mr. F. T. Mr- Kissel,, and the Min--ister for Public Works, Mr, Semple, regarding New Zcaland's power supply position was made yesterday by the managihg-secretary of the Hojrowhqnua Electric Bowei; Board, Mr. R." A. Frederikson. It was not considered by the Electricity Controller that there would b,e any power shortage simil'ar to that of last year.

'"That statement is absolutely misleading," commented Mr. Fred-. e?ikson." "He States that the co-untry Will only suffer from a power short--age if there is a prolonged dry spell.* Thq position is that the Horowhsnua Electric Power Board ,'is gtven a five per cent- increase on last- year's consumption, which oyer•the whole of the winter period w.as drastically restricted. At that timo the board's cuts amounted to as. much as 30 per cent." ■ '

Ev.en -with a five per cent increase, the board would still have tb cut the supply of power very severely, he cohtinued. At present it was un-able to keep within, its allocation, which meant that the supply would have to be further reduced in the winter*. The Minister had stated that if the peaple saved now,. then there was no reasori why the promised allocation of power could not be supplied. Mr. Frederikson maintaine'd. that this would still no# give. enough power to see through. the winter without severe restrictions. "Once again, as was the case-last •year when the department gambled bn favourable conditions — and lost —they are relying on good conditions to carry them through. They are just trying to pull the wool over the consumers' eyes." (