On This Day, 20 June 1917

Birmingham Daily Post

Wednesday 20 June 1917

BIRMINGHAM’S ELECTRICITY TROUBLES.

SERIOUS BREAKDOWN OF MACHINERY

It was hoped that the troubles of the Electricity Department of the Birmingham Corporation had come to an end, and that for the future the Electric Supply Committee would not be beset by grave difficulties in the distribution of current to the factories and tramways of the city. The immunity they have enjoyed, however, has not been of long duration, for at the present time they are faced with two unexpected difficulties which will cause them serious anxiety. A few days ago the turbine or large generating set installed at the Summer Lane station four years ago broke down, and the committee endeavoured to effect repairs without a stoppage of work. These efforts held good for a time, but the pressure on the resources of the department naturally became greater, and possibly as a consequence of the extra work another accident has occurred. On Monday night the turbine at the Nechells station, which has been installed only few months, also broke down, and the result of the two mishaps, caused apparently by overloading, is that the department are in the position of having no spare plant to bring into service.

It is believed the damage done at Summer Lane may be repaired within fortnight, but at least a month will elapse before the other turbine is again in working order. Meanwhile the committee are in an unenviable predicament. They want to maintain their full supply of current to every customer, but the public must remember that pending the repairs to the two damaged generating sets if any further accident occurs the department may be compelled to reduce the supply electricity either to the munition works or the tramways. Obviously the munition works cannot be allowed suffer, and so, if the worst happens, tram users will have to submit to a curtailed service of cars. The Electric Supply Committee will do their utmost to hurry forward the repairs and at the same time adopt every conceivable method to avoid stoppages current. It is to be hoped they will succeed; if they fail timely notice will be given to the public.