4.00pm, 8 September 2016

Progress to restore power

Power remains out to around 600 Orion customers this afternoon after a severe storm on Wednesday night affected power supply across Orion's electricity distribution network. The areas without power are predominantly in the Selwyn and Banks Peninsula areas, while some smaller areas within Christchurch city are also affected. Most power cuts were due to trees or branches falling onto power lines.

"We are making good progress in the hardest hit areas, however, there will be a small number of customers without power overnight," says Orion CEO Rob Jamieson. We appreciate that for customers still without power it is difficult and frustrating, and we apologise and thank them for their patience."

"To avoid the possibility of electrocution of those working on the lines we ask that anyone installing a generator have this undertaken by a registered electrician. An incorrectly installed generator may send power back into the electrical network while it is being worked on by a linesman resulting in electrocution."

"If you see a fallen power line, or a tree on a power line, please stay well clear and call us on 0800 363 9898. Also, we appeal for people not to try and remove trees and branches from power lines. Please leave any works near electricity lines to our staff and contractors."

Our next update will be at 8.00pm.

ENDS

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