ELECTRICITY DEMAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23378, 21 June 1939, Page 16

ELECTRICITY DEMAND

SOUTH ISLAND OUTLOOK SUPPLY AUTHORITIES' FEARS [iJY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] CTIRISTCTTUHCH, Tuesday The conviction that only the installation of a steam plant as a permanent adjunct to the hydro-electric power development system in the South Island would ensure relief from the pressing demand for power which is expected by the winter of 1041 was expressed recently by a deputation of South Island power supply authorities to the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. H. Sempie. The deputation has prepared a statement summarising its representations to the Minister and his reply. Tho statement emphasises the supply authorities* fears that the river flow at Wnitaki might, in the absence of storage measures at the lakes, prove to have limitations at the critical period of the winter load. Uncertainty of overseas deliveries and local labour for construction and erection made completion of the Highbank plan by June, 1941, most improbable. r lhe deputation' asked for the strongest, possible measures giving reassurance regarding the power supply position in the interests not only of existing public services and consumers, but also as an indispensable factor in the desired development of local industries. The Minister assured the deputation that the department was fully alive to the possibilities. The suggested steam plant would be very carefully considered He was confident that there would be 110 difficulty in the present winter and that the winter of 1940 would be cared for by the Highbank plant, but the winter of 1911 might prove to he a very difficult period.