XN000022-1974-02-13 — Page 8

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Wednesday, February 13, 1974

POWER COMPANIES SAVE MORE FUEL THAN EXPECTED

The power companies consumed less fuel oil than expected in tho

seven weeks between December 15 last year and February 1 this year.

The actual consumption was 167,000 tons, or about 16 per cent

below the expected 198,000 tons, the Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip

Haddon-Cave, said in Legislative Council today.

He pointed out however that it was difficult to predict electricity

consumption, and hence fuel oil consumption by the power companies, because

for example of changes in the weather, and holidays.

Bearing this in mind, it appeared that oil consumption by the

companies was reduced by about 12 per cent during the same period.

This economy, he said was in anticipation of the 15 per cent reduction

in the normal 1974 oil supplies expected last December and the 10 per cent

reduction expected now.

"Reduced oil consumption by the power companies over the seven

weeks in question was the result of an amalgam of deliberate economies achieved

by both the public and the power companies aimed at preserving unrestricted

availability of electricity to industry," he said.

The economies, he noted, included restrictions on the use of electri.

lights outside certain hours, a total ban on floodlighting, an earlier

introduction of Summer Time, comprehensive save-fuel publicity, a reduction

by about 50 per cent of the power companies' spinning reserve, and a reduction

of two por cent (4 volts) in the power companies' voltage emission.

The Financial