RESTRICTED USE OF POWER

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25299, 26 September 1947, Page 6

RESTRICTED USE OF POWER

POSITION IN NORTH ISLAND HIGHER QUOTA ABSORBED BY EXTENSIONS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, September 24. Power restrictions in Wellington will remain in force next year, though the quota supplied to the Wellington City Council Electricity Department will probably be increased by 5 per cent. , This was stated yesterday by the assistant electrical engineer (Mr A. G. P. Holloway), who explained that all the increase would be absorbed by the normal essential extensions, such as new housing and hospitals. Only in a few minor instances would it be possible to lift the present restrictions. Day switches on water heaters, at present reconnected, would be maintained as long as possible, continued Mr Holloway, although an exceptionally heavy power load next winter might mean that they would have to be turned off again. It might also be possible to raise the blackout in city streets after 1 a.m., but not in the suburbs. “We’re in trouble over power, and we can see no way out of it for several years at least/’ said Mr Holloway. “If it were not for the co-operation of the community, the supply position would have become chaotic.”

LITTLE OR NO RELIEF IN AUCKLAND

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, September 24. The 5 per cent, increased power to be permitted electric supply authorities next year will give Auckland consumers little or no relief from restrictions. “It will not even look at our restricted load,’’ said the general manager of the Auckland Power Board (Mr R H. Bartley). He could not see that it would give any worthwhile relief, but before going into detail he wished to hear what the Minister (Mr R. Semple) would say in his address to the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association conference.