ELECTRIC POWER SOUGHT FOR INANGAHUA VALLEY

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1949, Page 2

ELECTRIC POWER SOUGHT FOR INANGAHUA VALLEY

A most sympathetic hearing was given by members of the Grey Electric Power Board when Messrs P. J. O’Regan and J. Coghlan waited on them last evening to request that the reticulation of the Inangahua Valley area should have priority. The deputation was introduced by Mr A. Topp. Mr O’Regan said that the valley would be a most lucrative field for the expansion of the Board s reticulation. The demand would be greater than any survey could reveal. Mr Coghlan pointed out that mines working near Cronadun, and now using petrol, needed electricity, and this would produce good revenue for the Board. The women too, were most anxious io have power to their homes, although this would not produce as much revenue for the Board. The chairman, Mr’ J. Ryan, said that Board members appreciated the need for power in the area, and were grateful for the information supplied by the deputation. In reply to Mr Topp, the Engineer, Mr Sinclair Trotter, said that the supply position was getting slightly easier. At present the procurement of poles was the major difficulty. Mr P. Blanchfleld said all members of the Board were sympathetic with the request of the deputation. The Board would do all in its power to supply the area with electricity. Mr W. Clayton said that all Board members favoured supplying the area as soon as possible. The deputation had strengthened the opinion Board members already held.

Mr O’Regan, ’in returning thanks, reminded members that he would be returning to the wilderness where candles and kerosene lamps were still in fashion.

The secretary, Mr W. S. McClymont, reported that on February 15 the bank overdraft was £6,574 19s This was not a true figure, owing to the January accounts not being paid. The sum of £2640 is outstanding under the Board’s financial assistance scheme for the purchase of ranges. December meter-readings recorded £6920 3s Sd revenue from the two groups, plus farge power accounts. The revenue for January, covering large power accounts only, was £3144 16s sd. ENGINEER’S REPORT The Engineer, Mr Sinclair Trotter, reported for the period December 11 to February 15 as follows: Reticulation: Gangs have been engaged on general maintenance of high tension lines on the Dobson-Blackball feeder, and at Marsden, Ruru, Kotuku, Aratika, Taylorville and Kaimata. Low tension and service maintenance has been undertaken at Te Kinga, Runanga, Dunollie and Patara. A power supply has been given to the Premier gold dredge for welding and otheu construction purposes. Minor low tension extensions have been completed at Waimaunga, Kumara Junction, Raupo, Cobden, Dobson and Runanga. Maintenance of pole type transformer stations has been carried out in various areas. The pegging and preliminary work for the Inchbonnie construction is proceeding. Consumers: Since the December meeting 23 new applications have been received and permits issued. Twentynine new consumers have been connected. Applications now total 6343, and consumers 6272; 58 permits have been issued for alterations to existing installations; 50 extensions to consumers’ installations have been completed; 22 ranges have been installed tor the period; 20 waterheaters have, been installed for the period; a new X-ray plant at the Grey Hospital is replacing the old plant. The connected load was as follows: Load at last meeting 40,849.00 k.w.; load for the period 446.360 k.w.; making a total of 41,296.160 k.w. . For the quarterly period ended December 31. the units purchased were 5.132',000, and the demand 6742 k.v.a. The figures for the corresponding quarter of the previous yeai’ were 8,108,000, with a demand of 6404 k.v.a. The power bill for the quarter amounted to £13.027 15s. At a meeting in Christchurch on February 2 in connection with the power supply, called by Mr Davenport, the power position was discussed, and a South Island Committee formed to deal with matters in connection with power rationing when the necessity arises. No definite proposals or suggestions were formulated as conditions in the future largely depend for their severity or otherwise, on the amount of storage in hand to deal with winter load and also to the progress made with works now under way. The weather during the winter months over the South Island generally will also considerably affect the consumption of units and the daily peak loading. Since almost every authority has been adding load to its system over the year and no extra capacity, or very little, is available to deal with it, the position does not seem to be too bright. Mr Trotter said that the Board was not represented on the supply committee. The Board could not ration the mines, and there was only one diedge using power. Any rationing would have to be against domestic consumers.