POWER SUPPLIES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5322, 5 September 1928, Page 2

POWER SUPPLIES.

REDUCTION IN OUTPUT. RESTRICTION TO BE IMPOSED. The following cqmmunication from the Public Works Department was read at yesterday’s meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board '• “Power supply on Monday mqrijlng to exceeded 9000 k.w., but it will not be possible to continue to supply this amount, and steps must betaken to reduce the Iqad. The- only way by which the department can reduce it is by cutting out feeders at the different sub-stations, which wquld cut off both the essential and the nonqssential loads. This can be avoided if the different supply authorities arrange ,to cut off the non-essentia.l load. AH heating, load Slhoulld be cut off, and all hot-plates. Where no qther method foi- coqking except by electricity is available, then/ electric ovens may be used far the present.” The chairman expressed the opinion that to meet the exceptional position an urgent appeal Should be, made to farmers to commence milking an hour, earlier than, usual. This would Shift the peak load and make it possible for the work to cqntinuq without having to cut off districts, apd impose hours which would be a great inconvenience. Mr Anderson advocated making an allowance to those farmers; who changed over to benzine engines to save electricity. He pointed out that as the power h.a.d to be pa’d for it was only right that the board should make an allowance to those who 'listed benzine during the emergency. The chairman considered that the pqint was a good one, and shquld be mentioned at the conference of the South Auckland Power. Boards’ Association on Wednesday (to-day), Mr Price said that benzine could b e supplied to those farmers who agreed to have t’heir motors cut off until the position imprqved. Mr Price; moved that all depots adviser' farmers that benzine would be supplied to th'ose who ired engines instead of electric motorst and that all farmers using power be asked to milk an hqur earlier. Mr Arthur souffded a note of caution and urged that a better, system would be to disconnect the motors of those farmers who could use an engine and reduce the charge.: for. the quarter, according to the time the po.wer was not available. Mr Pohlen sajd tha.t it wquid be a matter of mutual arrangement between individual farmers anjd the board. If farmers did not cqnserve the power there would be insufficient to go, round and all would suffer. It was decided that all suppliers be givdn the option of using petrol engines in order to conserve the .supply far consumers wha were whdlly dependent on ele'ctricity for milking purposes, the board to compensate the Iqser for' benzine consumed, and that all dairymen be requested to milk an hour earlier.