Abstract :
The electric power situation in the united States has been described as tight by Arthur M. Hill, chairman of the National Security Resources Board, in a recent statement summarizing the results of a staff study. The full text of Mr. Hill´s statement was as follows: There is today practically no slack in the power systems. Spare capacity for possible breakdowns and future load growth is very much lower now than it was during the years preceding Pearl Harbor. Before the war this margin of surplus capacity was in excess of 20 per cent of the peak load. In 1947 the margin was reduced to 5 per cent of the peak. During 1948 and 1949 power generating capacity will not be sufficient to provide really adequate reserves. By 1950 the margins of capability appear adequate in most parts of the country and the situation will be further improved in 1951. The principal exception is the Pacific Northwest region where a progressively greater shortage of power capacity is indicated.
