Significant Weather Damage Delays Power Restoration

3.00pm Wednesday 21 March 2012 – Following an aerial survey of the Taupo network today, Unison is advising it may take until Friday to restore power to all customers in the region.

Danny Gough, Customer Relations Manager for Unison Networks Ltd said the survey showed numerous faults along the Rangitaiki section of the network, south of Taupo.

“We have made good progress today, with the weather easing and support crews from Rotorua and Hawke’s Bay assisting local crews. They have managed to reconnect most urban customers, but unfortunately some rural customers will be without power for another one to two nights while we reinstate poles and power cables through the forestry blocks.”

High winds have caused significant damage to the network across the Taupo district over the last 36 hours. Mr Gough said Unison lines crews were working tirelessly to restore supply.

“We are liaising with forestry contractors to clear access to the area, and we expect this work to be completed by the end of today. We will have five lines crews working on the restoration of the network from tomorrow.

“Given the significant number of power poles that have fallen down it may take until Friday to reconnect all customers to the network.”

ENDS

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