LAKE COLERIDGE

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17316, 30 November 1921, Page 7

LAKE COLERIDGE

BREAKDOWN OF No. .5 TURBINE. EESTBICTIONB ON CONBUMEBS. Regarding the breakdown of the No. 5, the new generator, at the Lake Coleridge power-house, Messrs A Gavey, electrical engines", Public Works Department, in charge of the Lake Coloridge installation, and E. Hitchcock, manager of Uhe City Council's electricity department, have addressed the following letter to the Editor of '"The Press • "In connexion with the further unfortunate trouble experienced fit Lake Coleridge power-house, it is desired to acquaint the public fully with the circumstances and the present position. "For several years t)ho load has been carried by four generators, each o 1500 k.w. capacity. The fifth gene,- a tor, of. 3000 k.w. capacity, supplied by ttie tJhird pipe-lino, ha« been awaited anxiously for some time. In Septcmber Ififit it was confidently anticipated to have this in service within two or three weeks Trouble developed in the foundations of this machine, but ihia has now been completely rectified. In the meantime, an altogether unexpected mishap occurred to one of the original four machines, and n. similar mishap hasi now occurred to tfhe large machine, No. 5, just when it waa about to be nut into regular service. This reduces the plant capacity from the anticipated 9000 k.w to 4500 k.w. The l-ature of the trouble in both turbineß is unprecedented and altogether unexpected, but makes necessary the ordering of now casings from the manufacturers, and these cannot he expected until Mardh or April next. , "It is desired to acquaint tho public fully with the seriousness of the position. All domestic user# of supplj must endeavour to limit their use to before 7,45 a.ni', after <5.15 p m,, and between, 12 and 1 o'clock. This Applies to all consumers, whether recant or of long standing, and failure to co-operate Ul this way may result in the supply being cut off. No additional load can ho accepted in the monntimc, "It will bo necessary for all possible work -What can bo done at night to be transferred to night load, so. tli.it tha limited amount of power available can be used to the best advantage. "Restrictions have hitherto been applied with a view to reducing overload. The position now created is much more critical. Any failure to adhere to restricted Oiours which have boon undertaken will be promptly and rigorously dealt with.

"While the necessity of such 6teps is grently regretted, it must be recognised that the circumstances arc exceptional, and in the best interests of the consumers themselves the supply authorities lhave no alternative."

Mr Hitchcock writes:—"ln connexion, with the statement made to the City Council on Monday night regarding the further trouble at the power-house, the word 'generator' was used as indicating the w<holo generating set. .This consists of an hydraulic turbine driving an electric generator. The trouble is confined to the turbine, and is in no way connected with the electric genera' tor. I will be glad if you will correct the wrong use fof the term 'generator* referred to," .

THE CITY'S POSITION, Mr IB- general manager of the city electricity dej. rtment, madc> the following statement yestejidn-y:— "The position calls for a full Realisation by the_ public of its seriousness. The trouble is c.uite impreredented, and has resulted in reducing the capacity of the plant to half of that which was confidently anticipated a few weoks ago. Replacements cannot bo made for at least three pr four months, and wlhile it is fortunate that these happen to be summer months, it is only by the cooperation of the whole community with the supply authorities that serious disorganisation can bo_ averted. The City Council is maintaining ite steam plant and sharing the load. Before being able to state specifically how it is proposed to control the load to the best advantage to all consumers, it may bo necessary to go carefully into the tion of the relative demands of the different industries; but it must be obvjous to everyone tlhat all domestic consumers must economise rigidly during the day from 7.46 a,m. to 6.15 p.m. By shifting everything possible to night lo«d and oy getting the tramways to take their share, and by taking all we can with our own steam plant, it may be possible to meet the city's requirements with the remaining plant without serious disorganisation." THE TRAMWAY LOAD. The Ohristchureh tramways are running on, their own steam plant, end will continue to do so until tne position becomes normal. Mr F. Thompson) stated yesterday that no curtailment of services would be necessary as long as the position remained as at present. The question o£ supplying further power to the Government would have to De considered later