DUNEDIN’S POWER QUOTA IS INCREASED: CLAIMS OF INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 26135, 24 June 1947, Page 6

DUNEDIN’S POWER QUOTA IS INCREASED: CLAIMS OF INDUSTRY

Dunedin’s allocation of units of electric power has been increased • as from yesterday, according to advice received from the Electricity Controller, Mr F. T. M. Kissel, by the supply authorities in Dunedin. Mr Kissel informed the electricity department that “ improved by-, draulic conditions” made it possible to increase the allocation from; the figure 30 per cent, below the consumption for the corresponding week last year, to 20 per cent! The existing restrictions must remain in force in the meantime, the chairman of the Electricity Committee, Mr L. M. Wright, informed the 1 Star ’ this morning'. This afternoon there would be a meeting of the Priorities Committee, comprising representatives of the manufacturers, retailers, Federation, of Labour, electrical traders, and .the National Council of Women, and decisions would be' made as to the /most effective means of distributing the available power supply. . Mr Wright said that, in spite of : the cut of 20 per cent, which was now authorised, the public was still not. relieved of the necessity . of making a considerable saving. Industry, had reduced consumption by over 40 per cent, for two successive weeks, and in view of the importance of maintaining production, it was obvious that industry must have first claim on the increased allocation. WATER HEATING HOURS. “ There seems to be a lot of confusion among the public about the hours during, which the use of waterheating appliances is permitted,” the ‘ Star ’ was informed by the installation engineer, Mr E. E. Young, this morning. “ The instructions have’ been clear enough that these appliances are not to. be operated between the hours of 7 a.m, and 10 p.m.,” he said, “but some people have assumed that, provided they do not use water heaters more than nine hours, they can operate them at any time. This is not the case. Water beaters must not be used, outside the hours dictated by the authorities.”

Mr /Young , added that already a number of private residences had been disconnected from the supply because the consumers had not obeyed the instructions.

LIGHTS IN TELEPHONE BOXES. Comment has frequently been made ■by members of t’ e .public to officers of the. electricity department concerning the burning of'lights, day and night, in. telephone boxes, Mr Young told the 4 Star ’ this morning. He explained that these lights are not controlled from any central point, and the only alternative to disconnecting them completely .would be to have someone go around during the day to pull the fuses and then to put them in again at night. Such a scheme was impracticable, and, in any case, the lamps involved were of a very small wattage.