Per-Capita Scheme For Power Rationing

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1949, Page 2

Per-Capita Scheme For Power Rationing

“The only fair means by which electric power can be rationed, in the event of an arbitrary percentage cut from the State Hydro-Electric Department, is a per capita system allied to consideration of the extent to which the individual household is dependent on electrical appliances.” said the chairman of the North Auckland Power Board (Mr R. G. Murdoch) at a board meeting yesterday. ' ‘‘Cowshed installations must be left unrationed, as these are responsible for the primary production of the country.” Mr Murdoch was commenting on a report brought down by a special committee of the board concerning an equitable means of power rationing. From August the board’s meter readers will be compiling lists of electrical appliances in each household. These lists will be tabulated and a basis of rationing based on the number of people concerned in each case will be compiled.

GETTING READY While the board was in a reasonable position in relation to its power quota, the position could arise before major power schemes came into operation that the board would be asked to reduce its power consumption. Mr Murdoch continued. If tin's should happen the board would be in a position to apply it? rationing scheme on an equitable basis immediately. In his opinion if water heaters in the board's area could be run efficiently the need for rationing would not arise. The board’s engineer (Mr T. R. Overton) agreed that the loss of power from the service was considerable. Stressing the need for economy in power, Mr Overton stated that a considerable power loss was caused by dairy water heaters silting over. Mr Overton had a registered wireman in view to service the heaters. FROM HEATERS Mr Murdoch said the position was serious, and if farmers could see the inside of their heaters they would be shocked. Every attempt would be made through dairy companies to encourage farmers to attend to the heaters, even if the board could not supply a technician. Mr Overton produced samples of silica deposits from Water heaters. He stated that 70 per cent of heaters were inefficient. These deposits were responsible for slow heating in water systems, for which low voltage was usually blamed.