The first planning steps have been taken to obtain emergency generators for Christchurch to lessen the impact if the power crisis worsens.

Christchurch’s Mayor Garry Moore said today that he had met representatives of Orion Ltd and Environment Canterbury to start planning to bring in emergency generators that would reduce the need for possible blackouts.

“In the event of a worsening situation blackout it will be essential to try to keep power on to industry and housing to the best of our ability,” Mr. Moore said.

Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council are already dealing with one application for an additional emergency generator, he said.

“This is giving the Council an opportunity to prepare for a lifelines project because in the event of a worsening situation emergency generators will be required,” Mr. Moore said.

Consents must be obtained for bringing in any new emergency generators (generally for noise and air discharge issues).

One of the good things about Christchurch is that the authorities and the lines company were working closely together to make sure that in the event of major power problems this year or next year we will be able to reduce the inconvenience in people’s lives, he said.

“Electricity is taken for granted by us all and it’s at a time like this for the community to plan ahead and work together,” he said.

Mr. Moore said businesses around the city should check that their emergency generators were still working. He said the City Council found that its generator needed maintenance, as did two at Orion.

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