POWER SHORTAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 32, 7 February 1941, Page 4

POWER SHORTAGE

NOT FELT IN WANGANUI RESTRICTION'S POSSIBLE PROBLEM FOR WINTER Though difficulty in meeting demands lor electric power is being experienced in other centres, particularly Wellington, indicated by me continual running of the steam plant al Evans Bay, no trouble nas so far been experienced m the Wanganui district. Such a position, it is understood, is not likely to arise before the winter months, when the heavier loading begins. Reports from Wellington and Auckland this week suggest that restrictions on the use oi electricity in the North Island during the next tew months are probable, should it be impossible to obtain sufficient fuel lor coal-consuming power plants required to operate at full pressure to assist in maintaining the supply right through the winter.

The probability of restrictions on the use of power, particularly for ornamental night advertising and street and highway lighting and lor water heating is freely spoken of. as an alternative to rationing of power, stated a Press Association message from Wellington yesterday. In their statement of the position in Auckland members of the Auckland Electric Power Board stressed the difficulty of building up coal stocks.

At Evans Bay, Wellington, the problem is different. The furnaces are part coal and part oil-fired, all output greater than 10,000 kilowatts being from oil-fired boilers. The stock of coal aimed at is 15,000 tons, but little progress is being made in building it up. During the past winter monthlybills for oil fuel ran toward £20,000 and it is regarded as certain that the station will have to run all out during the winter. Any restrictions on the use of electric power, nowever, would be applied to all North Island districts. So far, none have been enforced in any part of the district.