M.E.D. DEMAND FOR POWER

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 2

M.E.D. DEMAND FOR POWER

THURSDAY’S PEAK NOT EXCEEDED

As the power demand in the Municipal Electricity Department’s area rose steadily late yesterday afternoon, it was clear that the peak would not exceed Thursday’s total of 78.750 k.w., said the engineer-manager (Mr G. H. Battersby). At 5 p.m. the load was between 74.000 k.w. and 15.000 k.w. Mr Battersby said he estimated that the peak load charge for this quarter (ending at midnight to-night), would be on about 78.000 k.w.

On Thursday evening the demand was 1.2 per cent, above the allocation, and on Wednesday evening 2 per cent. The average for the week is 1.3 per ■ent. above.

From Monday all restrictions in the South Island are lifted, but the general manager of the State Hydro-elec-tric department (Mr A. E. Davenport), has asked authorities to keep their peak demand down to the limits set last July. “The normal maximum demand in our area, without restrictions, would be between 85,000 k.w. and 90.000 k.w.,’’ said Mr Battersby. “Before the restrictions were eased our demand was about 73.000 k.w. to 74.000 k.w.. and it has only increased about 5000 k.w. since then. Last year it was nearly Christmas before we returned to the estimated maximum demand. So many householders have bought kerosene and other auxiliary plant that it is usually some months before full demand is reached again.” During the present restrictions the M.E.D. has been testing its ripple control equipment. About 4000 of the 38 000 possible control units have been installed. The only areas in which no control units have been installed are Sumner, Belfast, parts of northern Papanui and Fendalton. “All other areas have, or are likely to have, units installed,’’ said Mr Battersby.

Restrictions Lifted in Malvern All power restrictions have been lifted in the Malvern Electric Power Board s area—subject to any appeals that may be made to restrict load demand—said the engineer-secre-tary (Mr B. J. Harris), last evening.