LITTLE SAVING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26478, 4 June 1947, Page 4

LITTLE SAVING

PRESENT RESTRICTIONS GREATER RESPONSE NEEDED Power loading figures from city substations up to 4 p.m. yesterday revealed a reduction in units consumed, but in no case was the saving in,any way sufficient. The city electrical engineer, Mr Edgar, stated yesterday that a close watch was being kept on the figures affecting the various areas, and it was only to be expected that those not cooperating with the department would be the first to suffer should it be necessary to switch off the power entirely in parts of the city. It was perhaps too early for all consumers to have complied with the regulations, as many would not switch off their heaters till the morning. It was necessary, however, that an improvement should take place. Inspectors of the department commenced the round of the city yesterday seeing that veranda lights, Neon and floodlit signs, and window display lights, were switched off. Their next step will be to visit houses and see that the water-heating systems are not switched on during restricted hours. Under the licence granted to such supply authorities as the Dunedin City Corporation, inspectors had the power to enter any premises to inspect electrical installations or • meters, Mr Edgar stated. Each inspector carried a certificate setting out his authority.

Asked whether offenders would be prosecuted, Mr Edgar said that prosecutions for breaches of the regulations had been made in the North Island. He was still awaiting the arrival of the Government regulations covering the position.