NORTH ISLAND ELECTRICITY

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24867, 6 May 1946, Page 4

NORTH ISLAND ELECTRICITY

“OUTLOOK BLACK” HEAVY CUTS PREDICTED IN WINTER (P.A.) AUCKLAND. May 4. "The electric power outlook for this winter is definitely black, and it is inescapable that with the first eold snap, which is due this month, there will be drastic cut-offs by every supply authority in the North Island." said the general manager of the Waitemata Electric Power Board (Mr A. Main). He had just returned to Auckland after a week of investigating North Island generating conditions and interviewing officers of the State HydroElectric Department and other supply authorities. Mr Main said that cut-offs would not be merely an hour daily, because when the radiator load and winter demand came on, supply authorities would be required to reduce the load by anything up to 30 per cent. Then, the power would be cut off up to tour or five hours daily for everyone. Records showed that cold snaps occurred during the last week of May. in June and July when power boards recorded their heaviest demands. Those demands simply could not be met this winter and the only remedy was for everyone to economise. "Steps are being taken to reduce street lighting drastically," said Mr Main. ‘‘Picture theatres and others with outside lighting have been given instructions to reduce lighting at once. I advise consumers to keep stocks of candles on hand and those with allelectric homes to obtain alternative methods for heating and cooking. "Hiey will definitely need them within the next six weeks unless everyone voluntarily makes a sacrifice by reducing consumption immediately. The male unemployment problem will become serious this winter. Anyone failing to economise now is betraying the national interest.”