Power Cut as Rotorua Experiences Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Hundreds of customers are without power in rural areas around Rotorua, with the region currently being battered by high winds and heavy rain.

Unison Networks Customer Relations Manager Danny Gough said the majority of outages have been caused by trees and debris on power lines, and advises customers to prepare for prolonged periods without power.

“At this stage we’re aware of outages affecting hundreds of customers, and with the weather set to continue, we expect that number to remain fluid until the weather front passes.

“Our crews are working hard to restore power to areas where access permits, but in high winds we do have to put the safety of our crews first, which may mean it could take time to repair damage and reconnect some customers.”

Unison is advising customers to ensure they are prepared for power outages.

“As part of your household emergency kit, make sure you have a battery operated radio and torch, a full gas bottle for cooking on your BBQ, and if you rely on electricity for heating, we also recommend a portable gas heater.”

Customers are advised to visit the website of their local Civil Defence group for more detailed information on emergency kits and action plans.

Important information sources:

- To report a fault of damage to the network, call 0800 2 UNISON

- Learn more about Safety around fallen power lines - http://www.unison.co.nz/safety/fallenpowerlines

- Make sure you are prepared to cope without power - http://www.unison.co.nz/safety/electricity-outages

- Rotorua (BOP) Civil Defence http://bopcivildefence.govt.nz/

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