POWER BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 22296, 11 April 1934, Page 9

POWER BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING OFFICERS’ REPORTS. The monthly meeting of the Southland Electric Power Board was held yesterday, Mr William Hinchey (chairman) presiding over the following members: Messrs J. T. Carswell, W. McChesney, G. Wravtt, D. J. Heenan, P. Arnott, W. Norman, A. A. MacGibbon, T. Golden, A. le H. Hoyles, E. K. Sim and J. D. Rodger. Secretary’s Report. The secretary (Mr C. Campbell) submitted the following report:— Cash receipts from sale of electricity, etc. in comparison with last year are as follows: — 1932-33. 1933-34. £ £ Sales and arrears and collections 121,718 124,499 Advance payments, 1934 3,805 3,372 Advance payments, 1935 1,332 1,568 126,855 129,439 Deduct refunds and transfers 1,188 1,031 £125,667 £128,408 The net receipts from sale of electricity, etc., excluding advance payments for the ensuing year, amount to £126,840. The receipts for last year were £124,335. An increase of £2505 has therefore been obtained. The estimated receipts for the year were £128,500, Chief Engineer’s Report. The chief engineer (Mr L. B. Hutton) reported as follows on the operations of the board for the month of March:— Power Station: The unit output was 2,364,790, giving a daily average of 76,283, and a load factor for the month of 53 per cent. The highest half-hourly peak was on Wednesday, 28th, between 11.30 and 12 noon, when 6080 k.w. was recorded. This, incidentally, is the highest March peak reached to date. On the same day, a peak of 5910 k.w. was maintained for a full hour. The rainfall for the month was 5.85 in., and the lake level rose in consequence from 9ft. to 10ft.. lin. The river discharge averaged 365 cusecs, the power station consumption 322 cusecs, and .he overflow consequently 43 cusecs. In the village, general maintenance has been carried out, and three of the old houses have been painted, while others have received attention along window frames, etc. This is the first repainting since the houses were built. Transmission Line: Seven days were spent on the high tension telephone between Winton and the Aparima, this section being almost complete. Bad joints were cut out and the new ones soldered. The main line Winton-Gore section was patrolled, the only apparent defect being one chipped insulator. Winton Area: On the 100 line, No. 3 feeder was repaired and resagged from the Aparima river switch to the Nightcaps branch line. Although the line is of heavy standard cable, its weight causes fraying at the insulators, with consequent diminution of cross section, and finally, breakage. In this connection, the line broke at Heddon Bush on March 31, so the overhaul of the whole line will be continued. The chief construction work was at Dipton, where a low tension line was erected under payment by the consumer. Two short extensions were made at Lochiel and Forest Hill. Nine service lines were erected in various parts of the area. At the substation there were rather a large number of momentary trips, but none of any duration. Invercargill Area: Sub-station. operation was subject to a number of momentary trips, and also to some ot longer duration. On the 20th, a broken wire on the Rakahouka branch caused a stoppage there of more than three I hours. On the 27th, No. 1 feeder was out for 55 minutes due to a broken high tension crossarm. Five service lines were erected, four of them being single phase and one a range service. At Niagara, a 50 k.v.a. transformer was erected for a gravel crusher, and a small one was changed at Woodend because of damaged bushings. Several short extensions of low tension were made. At Pine Bush and Titiroa, a line alteration has been made which will afford a shorter route to the latter place, and give us some spare poles. Gore Area: There were three interruptions on the distribution service, two of which were due to birds shorting a line to earth, and the third due to a broken branch. The number of momentary trips in this area, as in the others, was high. The construction party completed the high tension guarantee extension at Waiparu, and made a supply available to the guarantor. At Waikaka, a line alteration to give service to a large motor was effected. On the Winding Creek line at Waikaia, a new consumer was connected, and a defective air break switch was changed. At Pomahaka, the size of a transformer was doubled and a service converted, and minor service repairs made in the same district. In all, eight service lines were erected at various places. The month has been a very busy one, and extra personel has had to be engaged. House Wiring, etc.: Nineteen new consumers were secured in the month and 22 installations connected. Sixtytwo extensions were made to old jobs. Four ranges, one water-heater and 17 motors were added, the total new load connected being 125 k.w. The reinspection of premises was continued, 50 more being finished in the month.