ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY

Evening Star, Issue 23292, 14 June 1939, Page 8

ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY

POSITION IN THE SOUTH ISLAND ' "NEXT YEAR HAY BE DIFFICULT" BUT NEW DEVELOPMENTS REASSURING [Special to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, June 14. Fears of an electric power shortage in the f South Island next year were discussed with, the Hon. R. Semple, Munster of Public Works, by a deputation representing all the electric supply authorities in Canterbury, Otago, and the West Coast. “ We admit that it is going to be difficult, but we do not anticipate the degree of shortage pictured by the deputation,” said the Minister after the conference had concluded. “We will get through, and I do not see the danger they apprehend. There is none this year,' though next year may be difficult to get through. Following that, the new developments will be completed which are in hand.” The future plans were described by Mr Kissell, chief electrical engineer, who stated that the two 15,000 kilowatt generators ordered for Waitaki would bo delivered during the coming October, and the department was beginning the necessary concrete work in the space already available in the present station One generator at least would be available next winter. The department had recently ordered a 95,000 kilowatt generator for the dtoposed Rangitata-Rakaia power house, and was paying a special price to have it delivered in June, 1940. This station would be in operation for the 1941 winter.

The department had also carried out detailed surveys of shaft sinking and exploratory drives at the outlet to Lake Tekapo with a view to controlling the outflow, thus augmenting the supply to the Waitaki station-during the winter periods. “ Incidentally.” added Mr Kissell. “it is possible to develop 20,000 kilowatts at this point if required by building a generating station at the control works, but at present it is proposed to confine the Tekapo scheme to storing water in summer and releasing it for winter use. It should be recalled that when the Waitaki scheme was opened there was surplus power,, and an agitation came from power boards in the area that the department should give power away because there was no demand for it.

“ Tlie main point,” added Mr Kissel], “ is that we are doing everything possible to meet any future shortage. There have been suggestions for the installation of a temporary steam plant, but this could not economically meet the demand any quicker, as it would take a considerable time to construct and install it. In addition to looking 10_ years ahead or more we have certain preliminary information and surveys covering the suggested additional development on the Waitaki for utilising other, sites for dams between the present station and the lakes, while another survey is for the development of the Clarence River at the back of Hanmer Springs.”