Report to tae Worxs Cossurrer ox THE COMPARATIVE cost oF Exrexstox Scusurs or 1901 axv 1903, In__ presenting this Report I have considered it advisable to forward copies of the original estimates compiled in 1901 for the general re-organisation and extension of the Council's electricity undertaking. Let it be remembered that these estimates were intended to include additional generation plant, the replacement of the old direct current open type lamps by alternating, enclosed transformers, and labour of erection; machinery, building new fine and general structural' alterations. They did not Provide for the extension of mains, the purchase of line material such as insulators, poles, brackets, sub-station gear, ete., etc. Further, the estimates Were based upon a plant requirement for 47,166 equivalent 5 C.P. lamps (including public are lamps) at the end of 1905 whereas the actual equivalent at the present time, two years in advance so to speak, is 45,600. From this statement it will be apparent that the growth of electricity has exceeded the anticipations of two years ago, the natural sequence being that we tind ourselves still short of the requisite power in boilers. Another matter to be remembered is the 200 K.W. added above the original specifications which called for two 500 K.W. sets.
The acceptance of Messrs, Forranti's tender for 600 K.W. sets increased the plant capacity in generations by 200 K.W., and at the same cost practically as 500 K.W. cots. Boiler power was not originally reckoned for this.
Next we come to the decision of the Committee to adopt mechanical stokers. Also to be added is the motor-generator for supplying direct current for operating lift motors in the Central District, its controlling switchboard and the cables for the trunk main. Add to these the line materials, "cost of erecting mains, foundations for motor generator and erection in engine-room. It is not considered advisable to retain the existing roof over the Electricity Works. Although' it was suitable more or less for the old - arrangement of generating plant, the present: laying out of the boilers and engines in relation to one another render the one roof undesirable the proper method witl be to have a separate steel roof each for boiler and engine house. 'The old roof of 80 feet span, supported upon wood, will therefore be removed and its place taken by two steel supported roofs of 40 feet. span each. 5 Another important inclusion in these new estimates is' the amount allowed for extension of mains, equipment of gub-stations, house services, poles, insulators, line materials and meters, which hitherto it has not been customary to include in the Estimates. A sum of Tls. 35,000 is allowed for expenditure on this particular work during 1904.
In this report I have not_mentioned many of the details which are included in the estimates, neither has any provision been made for generating plant to supply the Tramways Company with power; this latter contingency would necessitate a separate loan which, in any case would not, 60 I believe, be required until 1905. For these reasons no mention of expenditure in traction generators has been made. It is not anticipated that further extensions of the buildings will be called for until 1905. In the event of the tramway scheme taking form, it is likely the main flue and economise will have to ba removed and the main chimney shaft ro-placed by another of larger area and in more suitable position, probably in 1905 or late in 1904. Without tramways it may be possible to carry on with the existing flue and shaft until the end of 1905. Plans have already been submitted showing the general ided of Power House Extension to accommodate 5,000 K.W. or say 6,700 Horse power. By the employment of steam turbines and boilers of greater power than those scheduled, the total capacity of the Power House might be atill further increased.
The estimates for 1904 and 1905 are necessarily somewhat empirical. It. will be observed that: the depreciation allowed for 1905 1s much greater than in ite preceding year. It is brought about by the writing off depreciation on all the new plant, both generating and distributing, installed this (1903) year, whereas in 1904, the first year of its working, no depreciation is allowed. To be on the safe side, interest on loans is allowed for over the twelve months of the year, but in actual practice this will not be the case, 60 that we are justified in anticipating larger profits than those shown in these rough estimates.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.