22 March 2012, 4.30pm

Restoration Efforts Continue

Powerco made excellent gains today restoring power to areas where supply had been cut due to extreme weather.

Last night, high winds damaged overhead lines in the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Manawatu. About 7000 customers were without power as the storm peaked overnight.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said a total of 50 customers remained without power in Tauranga and Te Puke. It is expected the majority will have supply restored by tonight.

Good progress was also made restoring supply to customers who lost power when severe winds damaged the network in Taranaki and Wairarapa on Tuesday.

Mr Marsh said there were about 60 customers in North and Coastal Taranaki, and Wairarapa without power.

“Reports of more damage are still coming in, but we’re making steady progress reconnecting customers once we know where the repairs are needed.

“Customers who do not have any power, or supply to only parts of their property should contact their electricity retailers. While there are many crews working to get all residents back on supply, it may be helpful if we can be pointed to individual properties.”

Powerco urged members of the public to stay well clear of any downed overhead lines and to treat all lines as live at all times. To report downed lines 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 and for estimated restoration times.

ENDS

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