POWER POSITION IN NORTH ISLAND

Grey River Argus, 16 September 1948, Page 4

POWER POSITION IN NORTH ISLAND

Excess Consumption to Cease, Says Minister P.A. WELLINGTON 1 , Sept. 15. Concern about the power position in the North Island was expressed by the Minister of Works (Hon. R. Semple) to-day. He said the present consumption was about eight per cent, above the allocation, and hydraulic conditions did not warrant a continuance of that excess consumption. ‘‘The present loading can only _ be supplied at; the risk of having to impose heavy restrictions in the early part of next year, and, in my opinion,” said the Minister, “it will be better to take early steps to control the load now, rather than run that risk. Accordingly, the Electricity Controller is advising the North Island Supply Authorities, that they must take steps to reduce the load to the allocation, as from September 27, whether or not credits are still held.” Should conditions improve sufficiently, it was intended that credits would be allowed between now and the end of the year. August and September had not provided the usual amount of run-off into the lakes, with the result that levels were tending to fall. It was anticipated that Taupo could be filled by the end of October, but conditions at present were so unfavourable that it seemed that the estimate was unlikely to be realised.

SOUTH ISLAND POSITION “In the South Island,” continued the Minister, “no relaxation can be given until the spring thaw commences. Usually this occurs before the end of September, but sometimes it had been considerably later, and restrictions must continue until the run-off actually commences. The public generally, will appreciate that the. Government is actuated with the desire to minimise the severity of power restrictions, and it is hoped that the people will co-operate and will make the necessary savings now ’’