POWER SHORTAGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 166, 16 July 1941, Page 8

POWER SHORTAGE

RESULT OF THE WAR EXPLANATION OF POSITION In discussing factors which have created a shortage of electricity in New Zealand, Mr. R. H. Hartley, manager of the Auckland Electric Power Board and local lighting controller revealed this morning that reduction of voltage for the purpose of conserving power had not been resorted to in Auckland up to the present.

Asked why it had been necessary to restrict the use of power, Mr Bartley said that practically the whole of New Zealand derived its power supply in bulk from Government hydro stations, the exceptions being where steam plants were available, such as King's wharf and Evans Bay, Wellington, and to a lesser degree in other parts. As a result of the war the Government had found itself in the position of not receiving plant ordered for necessary extensions to keep pace with the growing demand for electricity. This not only applied to actual plant, but to essential materials also, which were needed either for increased water storage or the carrying out of extensions to existing headworks. The result was that, for the time being, the demand for electricity had outgrown the supply, and this position was likely to continue until such time as war conditions altered to permit of the delivery of the required plant and materials. To make up the deficiency, steam and other generating plants in the Dominion, where they could be economically employed, had been brought into operation. To a very large extent it was thought they would make up the deficiency, provided economies were observed and wastages eliminated.

It might even be necessary as time went on, if conditions did not alter, to differentiate between loading that was absolutely essential, particularly in connection with war, industrial and farming production, and ordinary non-essential loading, with preference being given the former. This position, however, had not yet arrived, added Mr. Bartley, but there was no one who could say what 1942, and possibly 1943, was likely to have in store for them.