ELECTRIC POWER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 118, 21 May 1943, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER

ECONOMIES IMPERATIVE (P.A.) Wellington, May 20. Discussing the Electricity Control Order, which was gazetted to-night, the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, said the much increased demand this year for electric power had made it imperative that further economies should be practised. Throughout the North Island generating plants were already working at full capacity, with little or no reserve to meet winter peaks. Increased restrictions on the use of radiators and on luxury or non-essential lighting mus! be enforced immediately or the North Island would be faced with a serious shortage of power for essential industrial, commercial and domestic requirements, and with the possibility of a break-down in the heavily-load-ed generating system. The order provided for the following restrictions to the end of September;— (1) No electric heating appliance may be used between 4 < and 6 p.m., except Sundays, in any shop, office, factory, warehouse, hotel hall or theatre; (2) no electricity shall be used at any time for signs,’ornamental lighting, flood lighting under verndah and show-case lighting; (3) a reduction in community and commercial lighting; street lighting is being allowed up to 80 per cent, of the pre-war standard. In reply to a question in the House, Mr. Sullivan said that domestic electricity for water-heating purposes was receivinv corisideration.