UNDER ONE ROOF

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2581, 1 October 1915, Page 5

UNDER ONE ROOF

OUR CITY ELECTRIC POWER- . HOUSES. 1 ' "In view of the steady increase'in power required for both the Tramways and Lighting Departments," says Mr. W. H. Morton, General Manager of the Wellington Tramways Department, in his annual report, "consideration must shortly be given to the best and most economical means of generating and transmitting power'to outlying districts, more particularly South Wellington and t'lio adjacent suburbs. ' I'am, therefore, asking the- electrical-engineers of both departments to report fully on the matter, and to'consider the advisability of installing such additional generators as may be required' to' supply bot'h undertakings. This would necessitate the use of alternating dynamos, and it will be necessary to determine where sucli machinery should he erected—if adjacent to ono of the existing power-houses, or' whether a new building should'be erected capable of ■ultimately housing the whole of tho machinery for both systems. The maintenance of two stations as. at present is not economical," say the manager, "but 'Before the machinery could be placed'under one roof sufficient surplus' power should be available. Great economies could be,, made if a suitably-equipped'power-station for both- undertakings - were'''available.' A saving of nearly £1000 per annum could be made by dispensing'with the present cartage of coal and substituting more economical 'methods in: connection wrth a combined station more favourably situated. Consideration should also bo given to the possibility of a hydroelectric schemo being adopted for the supply, of electricity for all purposes in this city, ill order that all extensions may bo utilised in connection therewith. In addition to the economy above mentioned, the sum of £1000 per annum can be saved if the necessity of keeping steam available in the original portion of tho lighting station , could be dispensed with., In view of the very rapid development in electric supply undertakings, both here and ; elsewhere, I am firmly, of opinion that it is very advisable that tho .whole question of electric , power supply : should he carefully considered in order that progress in such work shall be on right lines."