RESTRICTIONS ON POWER

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27669, 27 May 1955, Page 12

RESTRICTIONS ON POWER

Relaxation by M.E.D. Committee QUOTA INCREASE GRANTED Quota rationing of po '-cr will be introduced from next Wedn. lay by the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Department, but the quotas given to consumers will be increased by 10 per cent. These decisions were made yesterday by the electricity committee of the City Council, which had before it the information that the State Hydroelectric Department had eased South Island power restrictions from 15 to 5 per cent. , . In the first three days of this week —the first under the new South Island quota—the M.E.D. was 6.5 per cent, above its allocation. That is the reason why the committee is to continue with its proposal that quota rationing should start on June 1. An augmented staff has prepared many of the notices to consumers. When they are issued they will state that the quota shown will be increased by 10 per cent. Present restrictions were also eased by the committee yesterday. It agreed that the use of domestic water heaters and all radiators would be permitted except between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. At present, they are not allowed to be used between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Other restrictions now in force are that electric advertising signs are not to be used except between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; that shop window lighting is allowed from noon till closing time and between 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on week days; that car sale yasds are permitted to be lit only between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on late nights; that no external lights may be used except by authority for pedestrian protection; that that the lighting of sports grounds is restricted. „ „ Notification of the easing of South Island restrictions was given on Monday bv the General Manager of the State Hydro-electric Department (Mr A. E. Davenport), who said that improved storage in the lakes was responsible.