Taihape Power Supply Interruptions – Update

Friday, August 17, 2001, 4:15pm
Taihape Power Supply Interruptions – Update

Electricity supply has been restored to another 120 consumers in the Taihape region after some of the heaviest snowfall in 30 years. Several areas still remain affected by storm damage and efforts to restore supply is being hampered by low cloud limiting helicopter work and snow and slips affecting land access. Up to 40 homes may be without power tonight. Consumers in the Kauatau, Taoroa Junction and Pukeokahu areas to the east of Taihape are most affected.

In the worst affected areas, where repair work has been hampered by the access conditions, Powerco is arranging for portable generators to be available to consumers. Powerco is committing to having all homes with either mains supply or mobile generators by tomorrow afternoon.

At the start of today there was 3 km of power lines on the ground as a result of the snow and debris damage. Powerco has 45 people working in the area and most of these lines have been restored. Powerco has two helicopters working in the area to assist. Staff will remain in the area over the weekend to continue with the restoration work.

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