Low rainfall affecting electricity generation

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 524, 22 February 1994, Page 5

Low rainfall affecting electricity generation

Very low rainfall in the Central North Island over the last few months is now affecting electricity generation from the Tongariro Power Scheme and has drastically reduced natural

river flows in the region. ECNZ Tokaanu Hydro group manager, Dennis Allan said today river flows are less than half that normally expected at this time of year.

"ECNZ does not have any problems with national electricity supply because of the very high lake storage in the South Island. However the local situation in the area south of Lake T aupo i s causing some concern. "Electricity generation from the Tokaanu and Rangipo Power Stations is atanabsoluteminimum. No water is being diverted from the Whanganui and Tongariro Rivers for electricity generation, but even in their natural states these rivers are falling below minimum flow limits. "ECNZ is keeping Re-

gional Councils and the Department of Conservation fully informed about the situation and the effects of the very low river flows. "Fisheries officers have been rescuing trout from the Wairehu Canal which were in dangerof being stranded. Recreational river users are also being affected. "Little more can be done as we wait for rain in the area. It is fortunate that the reduced electricity generation from the power stations in the area is able to be readily replaced with generation from other areas, particularly the South Island hydro schemes."