Media statement - for immediate release

7.00pm - Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Progress to restore power in snowstorm

Orion crews have made progress today in difficult conditions to restore power to areas of Christchurch and central Canterbury affected by snow.

Approximately 3,000 customers are still without power, including in the Northwood, Papanui, Harewood, Brooklands, Weedons, Kimberley and Hororata areas. The total number of customers without power has fluctuated between 500 and 3,500 over the last 24 hours, as further snow brought more cuts.

"We expect to restore electricity to most of these 3,000 remaining customers tonight, but there may be up to 1,000 customers without power until morning as not all repairs will be able to be made tonight," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

If your power is off please prepare for a night without power. Wrap up warmly and contact friends and family for help where necessary.

Stay clear of any fallen power lines and treat them as live at all times. To report lines down call Orion on 03 363 9898.

ENDS

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