ELECTRICITY IN TWELVE MONTHS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2164, 1 July 1922, Page 4

ELECTRICITY IN TWELVE MONTHS.

STATE PROBLEM SOLVED. POWER AND LIGHT FOR PALMERSTON. TENDERS TO BE CALLED IMMEDIATELY* Palmerston's dream of a% electrically-lit city and cheaf power is within measurable dis» tance of realisation. Within 12 months we may expect to sec the miracle-working "jnice" running through the cables from the Borough-owned power-station. Tenders for this and the gasworks are to be called almost* immediately. Mystery, as far as the public te concerned, still enshrouds the exact location of the new olectric powerhouse and gasworks to be erected in Palmerston North. It is no secret, however, that a site at Terrace End has been definitely decided on, but the exact location will "not be divulged until the next meeting of the Borough Council on the evening of Monday next. The Mayor (Mr J. A. Nash. M.P.) is at present negotiating for the purchase of the .section, if, indeed, he has not already effected a transfer. For some months, the plant for both undertakings bus been lying idle, and involving the Council in considerable expense. Now, however, the vexatious delays and uncertainties are at an end, and work will go straight ahead. Arrangements are actually in hand for the letting of tenders for the erection of the electric light plant and the- reticulation of the borough, as well as the setting up of the...ng.'gt gasworks. How long it will be before electric power is available is a matter on which a "Times" reporter sought information yesterday. It seems that the tenders can hardly be closed within six weeks, at least, as firms tendering would find it necessary to communicate with English agents in regard to prices of. material before fixing a price. Separate tenders are being called for the two electrical undertakings, reticulation and erection of the plant, but there is nothing to interfere with work on each going on simultaneously. If both are pushed on with, it is believed that power may be available in the town in twelve months' time, considerably before "juice" from Mangahao may be looked for. Of what use the local plant will be when Mangahao is switched on is a point upon which there may be some misunderstanding. Accordingly, it may be explained that the Government charges local bodies on the peak load consumed in their areas—i e., the highest consumption at any time in the 24 hours. The moment of the highest consumption is not a matter of chance. It always occurs at regular times. Knowing this, the Council will be able to pat the local ■plant into operation at these times, and so, by keeping the consumption of Mangahao power down, will be enabled to obtain it at a rate based upon a considerably lower peak load than would otherwise be the case. THE GASWORKS. As to the gasworks, the plant is of the most modern, type, and the method or production i 3 on far more economical lines than is the case with the present plant. Consumers may therefore look forward, with confidence, to an era of cheaper light and power.