Bulk Power Charges Increases Not Likely

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29247, 4 July 1960, Page 14

Bulk Power Charges Increases Not Likely

(Neu> Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July .3. Because financial results of the operations of the Electricity Department continued to be very satisfactory no increases in bulk power charges were envisaged this year, the the Minister of Electricity (Mr Watt) said to a statement prefacing the report of the department tabled to the House of Representatives. A net surplus of £1,159,000 on the department's operations for the year ended March 31, 1960, had been transferred to the Reserve Fund, raising the total of the fund to £2,06,192, said Mr Watt A report of the committee reviewing power requirements was expected to be received shortly and its findings would be considered by the planning committee responsible for framing recommendations for submission to Parliament During the year under review, approval of an accelerated programme of investigation of the potential of North Island rivers was given, said Mr Watt This provided :for the expenditure of £1,753,000 up to 1963-64 on investigations on the Rangitaiki, Whakatane, Waioeka, Ngaururoro, Tongariro, Motu, Mohaka, and Wanganui rivers, and Wanganui and Moawhango diversions. " The accelerated investigation programme in the South Island made provision for the expenditure by 1963-64 of £600,000 on investigating the potential of the Waitaki river. New works carried out by the department and the Ministry of Works at generating stations included:

Meremere: Full capacity will not be available till modifications to the super heaters and air heaters are carried out. Walrakel: Installation of all stage 1 turbo-alternators was completed on March 30, 1960 Installation of equipment and plant to provide and use steam flashed from hot water was proceeding, but was behind schedule. Atlamuri: The third generator was commissioned on May 21. 1959, and preparatory work for the fourth generator is proceeding. Walpapa: The first power should be generated by the end of March. 1961, the scheduled time. Ohakuri: It Is expected Qhakuri will be in service before the end of the year—three to four months ahead of schedule. Maraetoi 11: Construction of the peak load station is proceeding satisfactorily. Aratiatia: Excavation of the tunnel approach, surge chamber and powerhouse is proceeding. The installed capacity has been increased to 90,000 k.w. First

power is plarmed for April 1, 1964.

Matahina: Construction of this 70,000 k.w. station was approved late in 1959 and establishment of construction facilities is in hand and tenders for plant will be called shortly. First power is expected by April, 1965. Benmore: Construction of diversion culverts is sufficiently advanced to plan for the diversion of the river during the low flow period this winter. Tenders for generating plant have been called. Roxburgh: Installation of Nos. 5,6, 7 and 8 generating units is proceeding and No. 5 machine should be ready for service in early 1961. Hawea: Construction of control works was completed and taken over for operation on October 1, 1959.