ELECTRIC POWER

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 137, 12 June 1942, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER

"CRITICAL POSITION"

NORTH ISLAND RESTRICTION

Electric radiators or other electric space-heating appliances or

, equipment are not to be. used in shops, offices, factories, warehouses, halls, theatres, and other places of amusement in the North Island between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the months of May, June, July, i and August in each year, on | any day except Sunday. This re- j striction is embodied in an order issued last night and its purpose is to reduce the demand on the hydro-electric system during the peak period. Although the restriction does not apply to them, householders and others not actually forbidden to use their radiators are asked to switch them off between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays. - » Provision is made in the order for i inspection of premises, to ensure compliance with its requirements, and 'he steps which may be taken in this connection include, if thought fit, the disconnection or sealing-up of all heating points in the premises. MINISTER'S STATEMENT. In a joint statement issued last night the Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan) and the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Armstrong) said that the present position with regard to the supply of electricity from the Government system in the North Island had become critical. Due to the colder weather and the shorter days, the demand for electricity had suddenly increased, and the generating stations 'n the North Island were working to full capacity. In addition to the hydro stations, the fuel stations, large and small, were fully loaded at peak times, which at this time of the year were between 4 p;m, and 6 p.m. It was anticipated that, unless controlled, the demand would increase still further, and then it would be impossible for the generating stations to supply the load, and severe rationing would have to be introduced during: the critical periods. The steps now taken to prevent any further increase in the load would involve some inconvenience, but were necessary to avoid definite hardships which would be caused if the supply of electricity totally failed due to overload.

The Ministers explained that the restriction that has been imposed dotes not apply on Sundays, when the load is lighter, or to electric radiators used in houses and institutions, such as hospitals. However, they said, an appeal was made to householders and others who were not actually forbidden to use their radiators to switch them of! between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.

"It is also necessary that economy be practised in the use of electricity at all times," added the Ministers. "A very large amount of oil is being used to generate electricity and this has to be imported, and this means the use of ships. Coal which is required for industries and householder use is also being used at the rate of hundreds of tons a week. It is, therefore, incumbent on every user of electricity to avoid waste, and thereby help to avoid irksome rationing and interruptions in the supply of electricity, so assisting New Zealand's national economy under wartime conditions."