SUDDEN POWER CRISIS

Evening Star, Issue 26042, 5 March 1947, Page 8

SUDDEN POWER CRISIS

10% CUT AT WELLINGTON

WATER AND GOAL SHORTAGES

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 4. “ Without previous notice, the Wellington Corporation electricity department was advised by the State Hydro-electric Department shortly after 3.30 p.m. to-day to reduce the load by 10 per cent.,” said Mr R. S. Maunder, electrical engineer, to-day. His department immediately instituted cuts of three-quar.ters of an hour in different suburbs up to 6 p.m.

Mr Maunder said an attempt had been made to keep away from the large industrial areas in making the cuts. Where it was necessary to make a cut, large consumers had been informed beforehand. A broadcast warning had been issued prior to making the cuts in particular areas. There had been no indication, Mr Maunder said, as to how long the 10 per cent, reduction of the load would have to continue; Cuts were also imposed in the Hutt Valley. Because of continued dry weather in the lake catchment areas, the hydroelectric power supply was not equal to the present very high demand, said the Minister of Works, Mr Semple, explaining to-n?ght the reason for the sudden power crisis to-day. The situation was further complicated by the' shortage of coal at the King’s wharf station, in Auckland, which had to remain shut down until supplies arrived there, and, in addition, the dams at Mangahao were very low, There was only sufficient water for peak load running. The Minister said that trouble was also being experienced with the oil fuel station at Evans Bay. This plant might have to be taken out of operation at short notice. Lake Waikaremoana was now at a very low level, and even, with syphons the power that could be generated was limited. At Taupo the lake, storage had already been drawn upon by more than half the available amount, and until the hydraulic conditions improved and more coal was available to the fuel stations, there was no option but to ask consumers to cut down their demands to the utmost possible extent.