SHORT BREAKS IN POWER SUPPLY DUE TO RADIATOR LOAD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22940, 7 May 1949, Page 6

SHORT BREAKS IN POWER SUPPLY DUE TO RADIATOR LOAD

When the P.B. Electric-Power Board discussed recently the power-rationing scheme which operates as from this month the engineer, Mr. F. Matthewson stated in reply to a question that even if consumers kept within their individual allocations of power there was no assurance that short peak cuts could be avoided.

Gisborne consumers who noted that statement probably were not surprised when their supply was cut briefly during the past few evenings. Most suburban and nearby country areas were affected by the cuts, which occurred in the peak , period between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and lasted for only a few minutes Pressure on Transformers

These breaks were necessary to reduce pressure upon transformers in the areas where heavy demand builds up early in the evening, when cooking and lighting consumption is normally heavy in the late autumn and winter, and when radiators add their substantial drain upon the available capacity of the transformers. Radiator load is regarded by the power board as being mainly responsible for excessive pressure upon. the transformer system. The board has not prohibited the use of these appliances, except between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, but the application of the individual-consumer rationing basis is expected to enforce some economy in their use at other hours.

In a public notice published yesterday, the managing - secretary of the board, Mr. R. P. Baigent, draws the attention of occupiers of shops, offices, factories, warehouses and all other classes of business premises, public and private hotels, halls, theatres and other places of amusement, and premises occupied by any branch of the Armed Forces or Government departments to the prohibition on the use of radiators between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. during May, June, July, August and September.