POWER CUTS YESTERDAY

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26410, 2 May 1951, Page 8

POWER CUTS YESTERDAY

Peak Load Too Heavy WATER HEATERS BLAMED The first compulsory cuts in the power supply since the line between Waitaki station and North Canterbury and the West Coast was restored at the Orari river last week were made yesterday by the State Hydro-electric Department between 5 p.m. and 6 pm. When the cuts were imposed the load on the main South Island system had risen to 179,000 kilowatts. and it was reduced to 173,000. The cuts had been made necessary solely because water-heaters had not been turned off as requested at a peak period, said Mr W. H. Gregory (district electrical engineer) last evening. People had to realise that if they wanted a continuous supply of electricity it was imperative that they turn off water heaters at these times, said Mr Gregory. Water heaters represented 26 per cent, of the total load, and it was known that many thousands of kilowatts were going into waterheating at the peak period last evening. Mr Gregory reiterated that heaters should be turned off between 7 a.m. and 8 am.. 11 a.m. and 12JO p.m., and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Loads Cut Off The total load of the North Canterbury Electric Power Board and the Springs-Ellesmere Electric Power Board was cut off for a quarter of an hour last evening. The M.E.D., Asnburtqn Electric Power Board, and the Municipal Electricity Department of the Timaru City Council reduced their loads at the request of the State Hydroelectric Department, and supply authorities further south were also called upon to assist.

Highbank. in temporary operation, was contributing 11.000 kilowatts at the oeak last evening, but Mr Gregory said that the. load was so heavy that even with Highbank working to full capacity it would have kept the system going to meet the demand. The corresponding peak on Monday evening was 169.000 kilowatts and to meet the demand Highbank had to be kept in operation till 9 p.m. Engineer’s Warning Speaking before the peak period and cuts yesterday afternoon Mr Gregory said: “We have asked for a 20 per cent, cut in consumption at peaks, am ■we mean it.” He issued an emphatic warning that if peaks were not reduced whole areas would be without power for periods to-day. When power was restored after flood damage, the supply authorities and power boards were told that they had to reduce peaks by 20 per cent, and unit consumption by 15 per cent., said Mr Gregory. Thev had failed to comply with the order. Unless peaks were reduced to-day. supply would be cut off.

Neon Signs Cr. M. B. Howard. M.P., explained yesterdav that when she criticised neon signs at Monday’s meeting of the Citv Council she had not been informed and was not aware that the use of neon and advertising signs was permitted between 5.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily. Outside shoo and shop window lighting was allowed between 1 pm. and 9 p.m.