OPERATING UNDER HEAVY LOAD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 157, 14 April 1928, Page 5

OPERATING UNDER HEAVY LOAD.

POWER BOARD’S SYSTEM. The present extent of the Ashburton Power Board’s system and the increasing use made of electric sendees has so greatlv exceeded all expectations, that, without considerable reinforcing, the system is in danger of being heavily overloaded. From time to time m the past, the Board has taken such measures as were necessary to ensure the safe and efficient working of its system, most important of these being the installation of automatic switchgear in its main substations. Previous to this installation, the Board’s protective equipriient was becoming inadequate tokeep the very greatly extended line mileage working without hitch. , Small line faults were resulting in annoying interruptions over large areas. Now, any minor fault causes the automatic equipment to reclcse the switch, and the line continues to give unbroken service. With the new equipment, even ■bad faults can effect only comparatively small areas. The other problem of the overloading of the system (nearly 1.400 kilowatts are being, carried by a svstem designed for an ultimate load o'f 600 kilowatts) is one that new has to be faced. The provision of heavier main feeder lines and transformers will, enable the Board to take- advantage ofthe greater carrying capacity of the remainder of the system. To effect these adjustments and so have a system capable of carrying whatever leads are likely within the next few years, the Board will’ require about £15,000 uer annum in additional capital. The £90,000 loan proposal, is in effect- a request to the ratepayers that it be placed in a position to secure the further revenue, estimated at £5,00Q annually, that will result from the constantly increasing supply of electricity. —(Advt).