MAY TO-AUGUST POWER

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26357, 27 February 1951, Page 6

MAY TO-AUGUST POWER

CUTS FORECAST W? CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF SHORTAGE W COMMITTEE A forecast of power restriction! from about May until the end w August was made by the elecmMT’ committee of the Christchurch tito Council in a report prepared after members had inspected progress of work at Lake Tekapo and Dtite, Pukaki. “Storage in the main South Island , : system now stands at approximately 96,000,000 units, compared with, 145,000,000 units at this time in said the report. “While it it probum.. that some nor’-west weather may bo: experienced about the end of April, B ■ will be most fortuitous if lufficiuit; rain occurs in the various watershed! to build up this storage to rnything i - like the required amount. Co0»quently the position by the latter pert; of the winter is likely to be very critical, although the coming into operation of the Tekapo generator about that time may be of great assistance in avoiding the worst period efl this deficiency. “It should be noted, however, that if this generator does not come Into operation until about the end of July, the worst period of heavy winter demand will have passed without any assistance from this machine. Consequently restrictions In demand as well as consumption seem highly probable from about May until the end of August, or the date on which the Tekapo machine comes into operation, whichever is the earlier.” The report on the Tekspo prajert concluded with the observation that “it seems highly probable that water cannot be available at the turbine before the end of June, after which the machine must be tested and run in, < and this may take as long as a month; It would appear, therefore, that the rtcent statement attributed by the press to the District Engineer of the Ministry of Works, after his visit to Tekapo, was about correct, namely, that 'it is hoped that the station will be operating towards the end of winter’.” V Pukaki Storage <f “There is little likelihood of additional storage being provided at Pv* kaki over last winter’s storage, as the control gates will not be finished in K time to allow the upstream coffer dam to be removed and additional storage provided. Even if this were.wjne earlier than anticipated, it is highto probable that little nor’-west rain'win be experienced by that time to provide much water for additional storage." The committee’s findings seemed w indicate that the power emergency committee should seek some economies now and possibly save more drastic cuts later, said Cr. J. L. Hay, when Bie report was presented to the City ouncil last evening. Cr. G. Manning, chairman of the electricity committee, said it was not desired to restrict centennial lighting earlier than necessary. “Good on you, George. I’m glad yt>u are not panicking,” said the former chairman, Cr. L. G. Amos. , . The Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane. M.P.) said he would not like to see the centennial lighting discontinued too soon. Conferences bringing many vilitors (such as the Municipal Association) had still to be held and Christchurch would want to make a good showing. I 'The Centennial Association is economising,” said Cr. L. Christie. “They did at the river carnival on Saturday night,” he added, amid laughter. Cr. C. Baldwin asked how the council could justify restrictions on consumers while centennial lighting wai biasing. The public would, he thought, react favourably to the suggestion that efforts be made to retain centennial lighting till the celebrations ended, said Cr. W. P. Glue. They would probably be willing to save to permit this being done. Cr. T. H. McCombs M.P., suggested that, as most people saw this lighting •. before 8 p.m., it could be switched on soon after that hour. Tlie power required for illuminations was negligible, said Cr. Amos. . It affected propaganda, said Cr. MCCr. Manning said the committee would heed the views of the council when it came to consider restrictions.