ENG-1958 — Page 266

PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS

Total sales (in units) were as follows:

Lighting

Public Lighting

Bulk Power ...

Domestic and Commercial Power

95,247,837

2,801,082

64,732,048

161,512,379

219

324,293,346

During the year the peak-load reached a figure of 75 M.W., an increase of 3.5% over 1957. The steam raising capacity is 1,400 k.lbs/hr. and generating capacity 122.5 M.W. The increase in steam raising and generating capacities is due to the commis- sioning of the new 'B' Station with an initial capacity of 30 M.W.

In order to keep ahead of demands for electricity, three 10 M.V.A. 22/6.6 K.V.A. transformers were added to the Com- pany's substations supplying the north side of the Island. The planning of three more major substations is in hand. Some twenty five new local substations and ten transformer kiosks were added to the system during 1958. The laying of 22 kV and 6.6 kV Feeders and Interconnectors continues apace.

Charges for electricity range from 28 cents a unit to 15.4 cents a unit for lighting, and 12 cents a unit to 11.4 cents a unit for power. All rates are subject to a fuel surcharge due to the fluctuating cost. of fuel. The surcharge rate of 15% in operation at the beginning of the year was reduced to 12% on 1st March. Special rates are quoted for bulk consumers of industrial power.

In Kowloon electricity is supplied by the China Light and Power Co., Ltd., whose services extend to the principal market towns in the New Territories and to many villages. During the year over- head lines were considerably extended. On the island of Lantau, supply has been made available to Shek Pik and Tai O. The load continues to grow steadily each year, and during 1958 there were more demands from both industrial and domestic consumers. The increase continues to be caused principally by new urban and industrial development, and the demolition of old buildings and their replacement by larger modern structures. 398 factories were connected to the Company's mains. Air-conditioning is becoming a noticeable factor of load growth during the summer months.

Construction of the new Power Station is now well advanced. The buildings have been completed and one turbine and two boilers