CLOSING QUESTIONED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 212, 7 August 1945, Page 4

CLOSING QUESTIONED

AUXILARY POWER PLANTS

(Press Assn.) AUCKLAND, Aug. 6. The closing down of two auxiliary electric power plants at Penrose and Onehunga, which together produced about 2500 kilowatts, was mentioned by Mr J. Park at a meeting of the Auckland Electric Power Board. Mr Park said that he understood the plants had been closed by order of the hydro-electric branch of the Public Works Department, the explanation being that there was now plenty of water at Arapuni for generating power. “To me it seems ridiculous that at a time when the public are being asked to conserve power the department should decide to close down these plants,” said Mr Park “What will be the effect on the public who are being told we are short or power?”

The general manager (Mr R. H. Bartley) said he had heard about the matter and had got in touch with the district electrical engineer, who was submitting the question to the head office in Wellington. Mr Bartley said he understood that the owners of all auxiliary plants had been told to cease operations by the end of last month. The department probably considered these plants as only a drop in the ocean as far as power was concerned and, in addition, they cost a good deal to operate. He agreed that it did not seem consistent for the department to ration power and then close down the small auxiliary plants. On the motion of the chairman (Mr S. J. Harbutt) the board decided to write to the department asking whether it was prepared to lift the power restrictions in view of the reported discontinuance of the auxiliary plants.