Ripple-control gear to be replaced

Press, 18 March 1982, Page 7

Ripple-control gear to be replaced

The Central Canterbury Electric Power Board will replace its "outdated" ripple- : control system. Malfunctioning equipment is believed to be costing the I board more than $423,000 a i year. I The ripple system, which was installed in 1959. res- < tricts power to equipment I such as water-heaters to off- I peak hours. i The $2.4M equipment re- i placement programme is ex-

pected to save the board SIM annually, according to the general manager, Mr P. D. Rutledge. A time span of 15 years has been put on the replacement scheme, but this may be shortened. Mr C. V. White, chairman of the board, said that perhaps work could be contracted out to retired electricians to replace the failing relays. “If it is a matter of money

maybe we could get a loan, as I believe every endeavour should be made to reduce the time needed'to complete the job." he said. A specification for equipment will be written and' tenders will be called next month. Work on the task of improving the system is not expected to begin until next year. A build-up of recreational and industrial developments north-west of Christchurch Airport has caused the board to lay an alternative llkV line to McLeans Island.

A new 33kV overhead line from Springston to Lincoln and a 33kV underground cable from Sockburn to Middleton industrial area has added greatly to the security of supply in the board's areas.

Demand for power for new irrigation plants is unprecedented, according to the board, with recent inquiries for a further 19 plants ranging from 3kW units up to IOOkW units.