20 March 2012
4.30pm

Wild Weather Slows Restoration Efforts

Dangerous winds and road closures are hampering efforts to restore power to customers in Taranaki.

High winds have continued to cause trees and branches to tear down overhead lines, leading to power cuts across the region throughout the day.

Around 2500 customers in Taranaki remain without supply. About half face having no power overnight.

In addition, Transpower plans to shut down the power supply to the Waverley region from 6pm-9pm tonight to fix weather-related damage to its transmission network. Transpower recognises it is not a good time for a power cut, however the damage needs to be fixed urgently to avoid further power cuts to the region.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said significant damage had been caused to Powerco’s electricity network.

He said the windy conditions were making it too dangerous for field staff to work on some parts of the network.

“As soon as it’s safe, crews will be out in force working to get the power back on as soon as they can. We’ve brought in staff from outside the region to help restore supply.”

Mr Marsh said all lines that are down must be treated as live at all times.

“People should keep clear of damaged lines and poles, then contact Powerco on the emergency line 0800 272727.”

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and gas distribution utility with around 420,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Western Bay of Plenty, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay. Information about Powerco is available on its website www.powerco.co.nz

People should ring Powerco on 0800 272 727 if they see dangerous sections of the network or lines that are down. Customers should contact their electricity retailers to report faults.

ENDS

© Scoop Media