Power supply in Gisborne, Wairoa and East Coast

Tough weather conditions are hampering the speed of power supply restoration in Gisborne and the East Coast, with around 800 customers still without power.

Eastland Network general manager Brent Stewart said power had been restored in many areas but new faults continued to be reported. To make things more difficult, many roads were still closed and snow continued to fall in some areas.

“In some areas such as the top of Tauwhareparae and Mata roads, and Motu, our crews have had to turn back because the roads are impassable. They will try again later in the day.”

At about 11am both the networks 110kV Tuai to Wairoa circuits simultaneously tripped a couple of times and resulted in loss of supply to all 4,700 Wairoa ICPs [individual connection points]. Power was restored very swiftly, and Mr Stewart said he was hopeful power would also be restored to many more customers across the region during the afternoon.

He reminded all residents to treat all power lines as live at all times. “Please call 0800 206 207 to report any faults or fallen power lines.”

ENDS

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