POWER SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 139, 8 March 1941, Page 13

POWER SUPPLY

Rationing- To Depend On Rainfall INCREASED LOAD

LIMIT

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

PALMERSTON N„ March 7. Where the North Island stands in regard to the peak demand for electricity in the coming winter was dealt with by the Electricity Controller, Mr. F. T. M. Kissel, when addressing a conference of delegates from power boards and supply authorities. He asked that the increased load this winter be held down to 4 per cent, above last year’s demand. The position for the generation of power was practically the same this winter as last if the same amount of water was available. Whether rationing would be necessary or not depended on the amount of rain. However, this could not be foretold. The balance of power required above that produced by hydro stations would come from steam-operated plants at the King’s Wharf, Auckland, and Evans Bay, Wellington.

Big problems were presented in the operation of these plants, particularly when running to full capacity, said Mr. KisseL An undertaking had already been given that the Evans Bay plant would be supplied with its needs of coal. King’s Wharf operated on Waikato or Southland slack coal. A request had been made for an increase in slack coal production from 40,000 to 180,000 tons yearly. Thsi was a great increase for any industry to face. Though the Coal Controller made valiant efforts last winter and was able to meet the demand, Mr. Kissel was a little apprehensive that he might not be able to do so in the coming winter. However, instead of 180,000 tons as estimated six months ago it was now believed that 130,000 tons might be sufficient. The rate of increase in the demand for electricity might still further drop. A 7i per cent, increase in the demand would mean that 127,000 tons would be required for King’s Wharf. The Coal Controller, while giving no guarantee, said he could deliver this. Possible Brief Shortage. If the water flow in the Waikato was as low as last year, and this was by no means the lowest ever known, 9500 tons of coal weekly would be required for the King’s Wharf station, but Mr. Kissel doubted if this station could handle this amount Further, when a plant was running constantly at* full capacity for seven days a week breakdowns were possible, more specially with steam plants, so it was possible that there might-be a shortage for a brief period. Mr. Kissel urged power boards to plan for this possible eventuality so as not to be caught unawares. If boards would regulate their unit loads to only a 4 per cent, increas on those of last year the North Island might quite well get through the winter without undue trouble. The number of applications for new services had dropped tremendously in the last six months. Consequently, this would assist boards in the direction indicated.

A long discussion followed Mt. Kissel’s address on the means of reducing consumption with the least inconvenience.

“I confidently hope that we may get relief for the winter of 1942,” said Mr. Kissel. “If the war continues it cannot be said, at this stage if the worries of the coming winter will recur after that or not.”

A representative committee was elected to collaborate with Mr. Kissel in future action.

DAYLIGHT SAVING

Cutting Peak Power Loads LEGISLATION POSSIBLE There is said to be a big weight of official opinion in support of the extension of daylight saving throughout the year and for the saving of an hour instead of half an hour. It has 'been estimated that by keeping the clocks advanced half an hour during the winter, months, the North Island winter peak load on the hydroelectric stations might be reduced from 800,000 to 280,000 kilowatts; or, if daily daylight saving during the winter was increased to the full hour, a saving off peak of 40,000 k.w.— well over 50,000 horsepower—might be possible. That is, that a saving of more than 13 per cent, could be attainable off peaks by daylight saving extension. The alternative to this economy is additional restriction in one form or another.

Measured by units the consumption of power would show little decrease perhaps, but peaks present the major difficulty in power generation and distribution. If the peak rises above generating capacity, obviously demand cannot be met; with peaks lowered or divided the difficulty is lessened, and in lowering and division of peaks daylight saving could contribute materially.

There is reason to believe that the further daylight saving issue has gone past the proposal stage and that consideration has been given the drafting of legislation to extend the period during ■which Summer Time applies with or without an increase in the daily saving and that, if such amending legislation is proceeded with, the amending Bill will come before the House early in the session which opens next week.