POWER SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 236, 3 July 1944, Page 3

POWER SUPPLY

Situation Still Critical A reminder that the electric power situation was still critical was given by the Minister of Works, Mr. Semple. “Ihe response,” he said, ‘‘has been good, and it is apparent, that the majority of consumers are doing their best toward helping us get. through the critical period this winter. ‘‘Undoubtedly the publicity given to the difficulties'through which we arc passing has been warranted and appreciated by the public.” said the Minister. ‘‘Many helpful Letters have been received, but it seems that at least some consumers are not aware of the organized steps already taken toward relieving the situation without inconvenience. “For instance, the savings effectedl at peak periods by die extension of Daylight Saving over the winter mouths js equivalent to the output, of _a, 15,000 kw. machine; also the closing of nil radio broadcasting stations for two hours daily lias reduced peaks by as much as 12,000 kw. The wattage of the street lights has been reduced below the pre-war standard by 20 per cent, or more, though this has passed largely unnoticed because of the complete prohibition on tincssential and luxury display lighting which tends to accentuate the level of street lighting. _ The use of radiators in all places of busirtess. hotels, halls and places of amusement and Government offices has been prohibited between 4 p.m. and C> p.m. on week days from April to September inclusive. “In detail there are numerous restrictions placed on the use of electricity, but I am snre that iti the sum total few people, if any. can claim that, the required ecouotnies have resulted in any hardship from the national point of view.” The Minister added that the position was still critical. “All plants.’’ be said, "will continue to run on overload for several months yet. but if consumers will co-operate as requested and use appliances sparingly.'so avoiding nil wasteful use of electricity, further additional restrictions this winter should not be necessary.” _