EARLY EVENING POWER CUTS: TRANSFORMERS OVERLOADED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22655, 4 June 1948, Page 4

EARLY EVENING POWER CUTS: TRANSFORMERS OVERLOADED

RESIDENTS of suburban areas in Gisborne have been plagued during recent evenings with peak cuts on the supply of electricity, lasting for only a few minutes, but nevertheless most inconvenient to householders preparing meals and to children endeavouring to do their homework. The cuts have not yet affected the business area.

Transformers Heat Up Explanation of these cuts lies in the capacity of the P-B. Electric-Power Board’s transformers at the powerhouse, which, with the closing in of winter and the removal of restrictions unon radiators, among other appliances. have been carrying a load beyond their rated strength. Over-loading has resulted in their heating-up on the top of the daily peak, and the brief shut-downs have been necessary to insure against their burn-ing-out. ' If these transformers, or any of the three in operation, were to burn out a substantial part of the town would be left without power until re-winding was affected —a process which might take three or four weeks even if the material could be secured in New Zealand. The situation is not a happy one for the hoard, which 18 months ago took steps to reinforce its system against the possibility of overloading. Delayed deliveries of vital materials have left the board still short of completion of this programme. At present power for Gisborne’s supply comes from the Patutahi substation at 11.000 volts, and is stepped down by the transformers at the power-house to 6000 volts. From the transformers there it goes out to smaller transformers which in turn break down the voltage to 250, at which voltage the power passes into public use. When the demand becomes too great at any given time the power-house transformers simply cannot handle the load. They heat un and have to be spelled, with the result that lights and stoves and other appliances in residential areas are temporarily useless. No Immediate Cure

There is no immediate cure for the situation, unfortunately. The power board has brought a new line in from Patutahi to a sub-station in Valley road Mangapapa, and it is the intention that power from this sub-station will carry the load of Gisborne and its suburbs, without going through any 0000-volt transformers. Underground cable for the completion of this system is lacking at. present, although the order was filed 18 months ago Consumers can help to beat the peak cuts by taking every precaution against undue use of power during the late afternoon and early evening. The use of radiators between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. is particularly undesirable. Every appliance which is used unnecessarily contributes to the probability of a peak cut. Every saving that can be made during the peak period will help to stave it oil, stated Mr, It. I'. Baigent managing-secretary to the P.H. Electric-Power Board, in an urgent appeal for economy today.