More Power Troubles in Winter Feared

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 348, 8 May 1928, Page 13

More Power Troubles in Winter Feared

IF HORAHORA FAILS NEED of PENROSE PLANT With the persistent blocking of Horahora power house screens and the consequent closing down of the plant, the Auckland Eletcric-Power Board anticipates that its supply of power will be seriously effected throughout the winter. The chairman, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, - s hopeful, however, that before the i>eak load is placed on the board’s resources, the Penrose plant will be ready for operation. In speaking to Karangahape Road businessmen at lunch to-day, Mr. Holdsworth said Arapuni would not have been possible but for the Auckland Power Board, because the Government would not undertake the development of Arapuni unless one big board took over the distribution of power. Since that time the board had spent many thousands more than had been necessary at the time —merely to facilitate the work at the big works; md now he feared that there was a possibility of the board being further seriously embarrassed if emergency measures were not adopted to relieve the winter load. “What will be the position this winter if we are going to have the power through Horahora cut down?” Mr. Holdsworth asked. I am informed that silt and debris is still coming down the river and blocking the screens at Horahora, and we can anticipate further difficulty right throughout the winter down at this scheme. That is why I want the plant to run at Penrose: it is going to help us out of a very awkward position. •*I hope the Government will finish the Penrose plant in time for our heavy winter load, and also execute its promise to concentrate on one turbine at Arapuni so we can work it in with the King’s Wharf station. I sincerely trust the Government will encounter no further trouble at the hydro works, and that the plant is speedily completed. When it fs finished I am hopeful that our troubles will be at an end.”