POWER SHORTAGE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21364, 7 March 1941, Page 6

POWER SHORTAGE

NORTH ISLAND DEMAND POSITION THIS WINTER INCONVENIENCE MAY ARISE (By Telegrapn.—Press Association) PALMERSTON N., Friday Where the North Island stands in regard to the peak demand for electricity in the coming winter, was dealt with by the Electricity Controller, Mr F. I. M. Kissel, when addressing a conference of delegates from ipower boards and supply authorities. He asked that the increased load this winter be held down to 4 per cent above last year’s demand. "The position for the generation of power is practically the same this winter as last, if the same amount of water is available,” he said. ‘‘Whether rationing would be necessary or not depended on the amount of rain. However, this could not be foretold.” The balance of power required above that produced by hydroelectric stations would come from the steam operated - plants at King’s Wharf (Auckland) and Evan’s Bay (Wellington). However, big problems had to be faced in the operation of these plants, particularly when running to lull capacity. Supply of Coal An undertaking had already been given that the Evan’s Bay plant would be supplied with its needs of coal. The King’s Wharf plant operated on Waikato or Southland slack coal. Plans had been made for an increase in slack coal production from 40,000 tons to 180,000 tons yearly. This was a great increase for any industry to face. Though the Coal Controller had made valiant efforts last winter and was able to meet the demand, Mr Kissel said he was a little apprehensive that he might not be able to do so this coming winter. However, instead of 180,000 tons, as estimated six months ago, it is now believed that 130,000 tons might be sufficient. The rate of increase in electricity demand might still further drop A 7-2 per cent increase in the demand would mean that 127,000 tons of coal would be required for the King’s Wharf plant. The Coal Controller, while giving no guarantee, said he could deliver this. Possibility of Breakdowns If the water flow in the Waikato River were as low as last year’s—and this was by no means the lowest ever known—9soo tons of coal weekly would be required for the Kira’s Wharf station, but the speaker doubted if this station could handle this amount. Further, when the plants were running constantly at full capacity for a seven-day week breakdowns were possible, more especially with steam plants than with hydro undertakings, so it was possible there might be a shortage for a brief period. The speaker urged power boards to plan for this possible eventuality so as not to be caught unawares. If the boards would regulate their unit loads to only a 4 per cent increase on those of last year, the North Island might quite well get through the winter without undue trouble. Fewer Applications The number of applications for new services had fallen away tremendously in the last six months and consequently this would assist the boards irf the direction indicated. A long discussion followed Mr Kissel’s address on the means of reducing the consumption with the least inconvenience. “I confidently hope that we may get relief for the winter of 1942,” said Mr Kissell. “If the war continues it cannot be said at this stage if the worries of the coming winter will recur after that or not.”

A representative' committee was elected to collaborate with Mr Kissel in any future