Power planning

Press, 8 September 1978, Page 12

Power planning

Sir, — The recent decision to proceed with the construction of the Clyde dam, albeit at a slower rate is difficult to justify, particularly as the bulk of the electricity will go to the North Island by the proposed second Cook Strait power cable. There is reason to believe that the power planners were influenced by considerations other than the best way to produce extra electricity in the future. Mr Gair seems excessively concerned with keeping the vast pool of labour and machinery at Twizel occupied. This is to be achieved by manipulating the rate of construction of the various hydro schemes. Mr Gair’s concern for the Twizel work force is most laudable but this country cannot afford to continue to create vast new hydro developments merely to appease the earthmoving-con-tractors’ lobby. The power planning committee has been led from its brief to plan for adequate future electricity generation into political considerations of creating employment. — Yours, etc., D. L. JACKSON. September 6, 1978.