SOUTH ISLAND POWER

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27040, 15 May 1953, Page 10

SOUTH ISLAND POWER

FURTHER INCREASE IN STORAGE Water storage for the South Island powe:." system now totals almost 17,000,000 units more than it did at the corresponding time last year, and in the last nine days lake levels have been decreased only to the extent ,of 500,000 units. The situation was described by the District Engineer for the State Hydro-electric Department (Mr W. H. Gregory) as bright, and if there was a reasonable amount pf rain, he said, it would be possible to get through with restrictions only on peak loading, a change from recent years. If, however, severe winter weather set in and there was a quick freeze-up in the back country, with a reduction in river flow, the situation would, not call for undue optimism, Mr Gregory said. ■ Storage yesterday morning stood at 173,700,000 units, the increase in the previous 24 hours being 280,000 units. Although prospects for the winter are now very much better than they were a few weeks ago, supply authorities will have to keep within allocations not much bigger than they were last winter, and in the M.E.D. area restrictions which were left ip force last November the lifting of the major restrictions still apply. , These restrictions are:— Domestic water-heaters are not to be used except between 730 p.m. and 10 ajn. Advertising signs are not permitted between 7 pm. and midnight. Street lighting is not permitted after m ßadfators of all kinds may not be used between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Commercial and residential outside lighting is prohibited except for sports grounds where 50 per cent, of the previous consumption may be used.