SPRINGS-ELLESMERE POWER BOARD

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21445, 10 April 1935, Page 7

SPRINGS-ELLESMERE POWER BOARD

BIG INCKEASE IN REVENUE FOR YEAR

The members present at the monthly meeting of the Spririgs-Ellesmere Power Board, held at Leeston on Monday, were Messrs R. T. McMillan • chairman). A. E. Langdale-Hunt, G. Maginness. H. Neave. and £.' H. Rowell. The cost of current the month was reported to be £930 12k, as compared with £IOO2 4s for the corresponding month of last year. In his report the engineer-secretary said that the finances for the year ending March 31 showed a decided improvement. The revenue from the sale of current had increased by £IBO4, .while the number of units sold had increased by 195,006. The number *tf roads reticulated, or partly reticulated, was 278. and there were 316 route miles of lines. The total load connected to the board's system was 9362—an increase of 400 kilowatts. Distribution transformers totalled 437, with a total capacity of 4047 kilo volt amperes. There were now 133 electric milking machines connected to the system, with a total horse-power of 225.5. Ranges numbered 266, an increase of 24. industrial motors 314, and rural motors 905. Four mile,s and S7 chains of new lines had been erected. The chairman reported upon an interview with the Chief Electrical Engineer of the Public Works Department, Christchurch, about the low voltage supplied to the board. An assurance had been given that alterations were to be made to the department's line and these were expected to improve the supply. A report upon a recent inspection of lines in the power district by board members was also made by the chairman, who said that, generally, the lines were in good condition. Several matters would, however, require attention in the near future. The engineer was asked to prepare estimates of the cost of alterations to a line to Southbridge, the proposal being to build up the line to 6600 volts, which would increase its carrying capacity four times. Alterations to a sub-station at Hight'a corner, Brookside, were authorised and the engineer was asked to prepare a report and estimate of the cost of constructing an alternative main line supply via Springs road. Another matter to be considered Is an alternative route of supply to Ellesmere from Day's road, across to Selwyn Huts, and then along Lake road. Reference was made by the chairman to the charges for power supplied for motors to large consumers. The rate was 2d for a certain number of units and then id a unit, but few were able to get below the 2d rate, whereas current was supplied for cooking at lad a unit. The engineer said he was prepared to recommend a reduction to lid a unit. Fifteen large consumers would be affected. , „ . ft was decided to go into the posiItion at the next meeting. The annual balance-sheet was presented, showing a net profit of £.4OU 4s Bd. Receipts from the sale of current produced £29,865 17s 3d, the main items being: general lighting £13,624 13s public and exterior lighting £572 18s 9d, heating and cooking £4932 6s 4d. electric motors fclM 7 ** 18s 9d,. guarantees £238 10s Id. The Profit on trading was £3O 14s lid, and the total income £30.175 16s 4d. ' For the previous year the profit was -460 12s. „ t . Mr H. Neave, chairman of the finance committee, said that the profit was the largest since the inception or the board. ~ . ~ Mr Maginness pointed out that the Profit was £3200 on a capital expenditure of £150,000. , ... , , Whether the board was justified in making a profit was raised by Mr Langdale-Hunt, and in reply Mr Neave said that there were between 2400 ana 2500 consumers, and any general reduc- '. tion in charges would not give a great I deal of benefit before absorbing the \ Profit. It would be better to build | up the linos and endeavour to give s wetter service. , .. ._, ■ The board congratulated Us staff Hppon the prompt manner in which tne balance-sheet had been prepared.