HYDRO-ELECTRICITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1943, Page 2

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY

TEN YEAR PLAN TO COST £21,000,000 FOR NORTH ISLAND THREE MORE STATIONS TO BE BUILT (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Details of a “ten-year plan” of hydroelectric development, particularly in the North Island, prepared by the Chief Electrical Engineer and Electricity Controller, Mr F. T. M. Kissel, have been released by tjie Minister of Works, Mr Semple. The total cost over the ten years in the North Island alone is estimated to be £21,000,000, and Mr Kissell considers the outlay should be a sound financial investment. The plan for the North Island proposes a very great increase of generating capacity by further; development of the Waikaremoana system, and by the building of three more great stations on the Waikato River, one of the same capacity as Arapuni, 150,000 k.w., another of 100,000 k.w., and the third of 80,000 k.w. Another important recommendation is that long distance hightension power lines shall carry power at 220,000 volts, instead of 110,000 volts as at present, for higher efficiency and economy. The plan has received the endorsement of Cabinet as the basis for essential power development in the North Island. Its prosecution by stages must depend upon war conditions, worldwide and local, but the urgency of commencement has been officially stressed by members of Cabinet. It will be necessary to spend an average of £2,100,000 a year in the North Island alone. The position in the South Island is not quite so acute, but there also the is getting behind, and his estimate is that future annual expenditure may be £1,200,000.