ELECTRIC HEATING

Grey River Argus, 25 March 1943, Page 3

ELECTRIC HEATING

WINTER RESTRICTIONS. WELLINGTON, March 20. Restrictions which were imposed upon the use of electric radiators to keep down afternoon peak loading last winter will be reimposed during th e coming winter, states the Dominion electricity controller,-Mr. F. 1M Kissel, who' said it may be necessary also to increase those restrictions. Last year an aggregate increase of 5 per cent, over the 19-1 allocation of bulk power was allowed by the Public Works Department to electric power supply authorities. It is expected that for the wintei of this year an increase of 5 per cent, over the. 1942 total, or 10 per cent, above 1941, will be allocated. Mr. Kissel said. Plowever, this increased supply will be subject to modification if a dry period should affect the level of the lakes. Conditions at present, with winter approaching, were about on a parallel with those of the corresponding period of last year. ' There was an additional 20,000 kilowatts generator now in operation at Waikaremoana, but this addition to the .power-producing plant .of the North Island was barely sufficient to keep pace with the demand, and allowed no margin for extra supply. There was always the possibility of a generating unit going out of action for a period at one or other of the hydro-electric stations.