PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD

The Public Utilities Board has been steadily expanding to meet the increasing demand for electricity, water and gas Electricity

The growth in maximum demand of electricity of 11% per year in 1975 and 1976 is indicative of the general trend of economic recovery in the Republic after the low growth of 3% in 1974 following the oil crisis. Over the next 5 years, a 58% increase is expected and more power projects are underway to cater for the 1980's.

Stage I of Senoko Power Station has been completed and work is currently in progress on Stage II comprising three 250 MW units. This stage which is estimated to cost $522 million and is scheduled for completion in 1980 will increase the total generating capacity to 2090 MW. Plans for Stage III of Senoko are presently under study. For demand beyond the 1980's, another power station will be necessary and its proposed location is under consideration. Concomitant with the generation of more electricity is the extension of transmission and distribution system which will cost $791.7 million over the next 5 years.

69% of the Board's annual recurrent expenditure before depreciation and interest charges is on fuel oil for electricity generation. Continuous efforts are being made to increase operational efficiency of generators to conserve the consumption of fuel oil. As a result of increasing efficiency, the Board has, so far, been able to absorb the 10% increase (from $160 to $177 per ton) in the price of fuel oil since October 1975, without increasing the price of electricity to consumers. However, the latest increase in oil price will necessitate an upward revision of the tariffs. Economy in the usage of electricity will not only benefit consumers but will also save foreign exchange for the Republic.

Water

In 1976 daily consumption of water averaged 594,000 cubic metres. This is expected to increase to 820,000 cubic metres in 1981, an increase of 38%. The growth of demand for water has necessitated continuous development of new sources which are becoming more expensive

Construction of Western Catchments Scheme, which will commence this year, covers the four new reservoirs by the damming of four rivers - Murai, Poyan. Sarimbun and Tengeh - in the western part of Singapore. These reservoirs will have a total storage capacity of 28.4 million cu, m. This scheme and the extension of the recently completed Choa Chu Kang Treatment Works, scheduled for operation by 1981, will cost $72 million.

Like the Kranji-Pandan Scheme, water to the new reservoir flows through unprotected catchments and is more polluted than conventional sources. The water will have saline content as the reservoirs will be built in estuaries like Kranji and Pandan reservoirs. The treated water from these reservoirs will have a different taste but it will be completely safe for drinking and within World Health Organisation standards. This kind of water is to be expected from now onwards as water sources from the central protected catchments have been fully exploited.

The cost of production of water is increasing with more expensive methods of treatment requiring sophisticated and costly equipment and chemicals to treat the more polluted raw water. Wasteful habits in the use of potable water must be stopped. The devastating effects of drought even in countries with abundant water resources were seen last year. Water conservation must therefore be a way of life for Singaporeans.

Within the next few years, the Board will have to look into unconventional methods of increasing its water supply, like advanced water treatment methods to cope with anticipated demand beyond the 1980's. Feasibility studies and tests carried out at Jurong Pilot Plant, which was set up in 1974, have shown that with advanced water treatment technique, the recycling of water would technically be a feasible method of increasing water supply for the future.

Gas

With the continuing drive against air pollution, the demand for piped gas is expected to increase by 75% over the next five years, especially from the commercial and industrial sectors.

To meet this increased demand, gas production facilities are being expanded. Three new naphtha reformers, each with a daily production capacity of 150,500 cubic metres will be added to the system. The old heavy fuel oil reformers will then be scrapped and only the more efficient pollution-free naphtha reformers will be utilised for gas production. These developments will cater for the demand for gas into the 1980's.

New Headquarters

The Board will be moving shortly into its new headquarters at Somerset Road. The centralisation of the various offices under one roof would enable better coordination and communication, The more conducive working environment will enhance efficiency and productivity.

LIM KIM SAN Minister for National Development/Chairman, PUB