The combined generator and battery capacity In January, due to lack of funds, the Council was estimated at 140 amperes at 250 volts, provided that the maximum load at night did not lasted longer than two hours. The maximum load demand during 1919 amounted to 90 amps, which meant there were 50 amps in reserve. Interestingly, a film projector in the cinema hall used about 25 amps. This single electric consumption item was responsible for the reserve potential of the generator on Wednesday and Saturday nights being drained. About forty consumers use electricity during the first year of supply. This service was only between 08h00 and 11h00 and again from 20h00 and 24h00 available. Town Council expenditure amounted to an average of ₤48 per month, while the income derived from both the water and electricity supply services showed a gain of 20%. Town Hall and offices The Town Council decided on Tuesday, August 25, 1914 that a Town Hall offices and facilities had to be constructed. The task was assigned to Mr Silk and he was requested to prepare plans and specifications commensurate for plot number 190. Mr W and R Johnson’s tender amounting to ₤2 800 was awarded the contract, and construction refused an offer of power connection from Witbank. The estimated cost for the project was between ₤1 000 and ₤1 500. This connection materialised only twenty years later, in 1947. Electricity consumption rose steadily and in 1968/69 14 million units were consumed. Ten years later, in 1978/79 consumption rose to 33 million units – an increase of 42 per cent. However electricity supply was continuously adapted to meet the ever growing needs of Bethal. An amount of R148 000 was appropriated for the 1978/79 official year for the strengthening and upgrading of electricity distribution. This work included installation of an additional main supply of ESCOM-point of supply to the main substation. Due to the rising demand, this project was completed before the winter of 1979. commenced. Interesting to note that, despite the fact that Council’s minutes referred to a “Town Hall”, it seems that the building complex did not have a hall. The complex has served until 27 June 1940 when the New Town Hall was opened by the Administrator. The site of earlier Town Hall Complex was used the same year for the establishment and construction of a swimming pool. 48
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