Demand Closer To Power Project Plan

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31426, 20 July 1967, Page 12

Demand Closer To Power Project Plan

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 19.

A slower-than-expected increase in the demand for electricity in the immediate future has largely offset the effects of delays in the construction of some projects, and only minor adjustments have been made to development plans recommended last year.

This is shown by reports tabled in Parliament today by the Minister of Electricity (Mr Shand).

In his annual statement the Minister notes that the increase in energy generation this year was 7 per cent, the lowest since the restrictions were lifted in the late 19505.

The report of the Planning Committee on Electric Power Development says that compared with previous estimates the energy requirements are lower in the earlier years, but are not significantly changed by the end of the 10-year period. On this

account the over-all plan recommended last year needs little alteration.

Maximum demand, however, becomes higher in the later years and the estimates indicate that provision may have to be made for additional peak-load generating plant to be in service by the winter of 1975. S.L PROJECTS In the South Island, the committee says, the Maryburn - Pukaki and Ostler stations, which last year were deferred for several years because of the re-negotiations with Consolidated Zinc Proprietary Company, Ltd., will be required if the company

reverts to its full entitlement of Manapouri generation on the agreed date, October, 1976.

Maryburn-Pukaki (160,000 k.w.) have therefore been shown as coming into service in 1976-77, which is four years later than shown in the 1965 report. Ostler would follow two years later. The need to commission these stations is dependent on the use made of Manapouri generation. Additional hydro stations are foreshadowed on the Waitaki, Clutha, and Buller rivers. Other recommendations are to schedule the Te Anau control works for commissioning in 1972 and the Mararoa dam in 1973, and to construct a high dam at Lake Pukaki.

Construction of the new Pukaki dam could start during the 1969-70 years and be completed in 1973, says the report. Design has been started.