20 March 2012
5.30pm

Powerco Advises Customers to Prepare For Night without Power

Powerco is advising customers who are currently without power to prepare to be off overnight.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said the severe winds had been forecast to abate this evening but there was no sign of conditions easing.

“Powerco is advising people who are currently without power to prepare to be off overnight. Our focus is to make the network safe and restore as much of the network as we can but we are continuing to sustain damage.”

Mr Marsh said conditions were forecast to ease tomorrow but people should be aware there was likely to be more damage overnight.

“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

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