THE POWER SHORTAGE

Hutt News, Volume 19, Issue 13, 29 August 1945, Page 5

THE POWER SHORTAGE

HUTT'S SPECIAL PROBLEMS CONTROLLER'S ATTITUDE CRITICISED The difficulties due to the continued growth of power consumption in Hutt Valley on the one hand and the constant pressure from the Controller of Electricity to reduce and restrict consumption on the other ■hand was again debated at last <v£s<eks meeting of the Hutt Valley QPower Board. . 'The matter arose when a letter was read, pointing out that the Controller could not agree to giving any particular increase to any particular •Power Board. '"This is simply silly", said Mr. J. fW. Andrews, "and we should further protest against it. The Controller has given a fiat increase of ;1£ per cent all over New Zealand. (That means that Power Boards cwliose areas have remained more or •less static so far as industrial and residential development is concerned are actually enjoying an increase of power per consumer whereas Hutt Valley has what can be called two complete new cities without a single street light. No provision has been made by the Controller for the enormous development that has taken place here and he must know that it is absolutely impossible for us to (keep within our allocation. The Controller's attitude is most unreasonable and we have reached the stage iwhen this Board has just got to make itself felt." Mr. W. Bothamley thought the Controller was just seeking the easy way out. The Power Board already Jiid enough telegrams to paper one rbom and would soon be able to start on a second room. Mr. H. S. Dudding said that the Controller's directions regarding ; placing all water heating systems on meters as soon as possible had merely resulted in an enormous waste of money with little or no saving in consumption. p. Dowse considered that the •Hutt Valley Board was entitled to a (better allocation of power than it nvas receiving. Other districts iwliich did not have the same problems could well be cut down. • (•' Alter further discussion it was itttanimously resolved to make fur- • representations for an increased allocation for Hutt Valley.