Orion earthquake response

Latest update 8.30am, Wednesday 15 June 2011

Good progress was made to restore power in Christchurch overnight, with another 1,000 customers reconnected.

About 2,000 customers outside the CBD are still without power. Most of these customers are in pockets of Bromley, Dallington and the eastern hill suburbs.

Our target is to restore power to a further 1500 customers outside the CBD today. The number of customers still without power outside the CBD would then reduce to 500.

Power is also off to about 2000 premises within the CBD's four avenues, however most are unoccupied or within the Red Zone and did not have power before Monday's aftershocks.

Diesel generators will be installed to help us achieve our target today. Where generator power is required, hot water cylinders may not heat - our remote control of water cylinders doesn't work unless they are on mains power.

The electricity network in the eastern suburbs is fragile and more power cuts are possible. We urge residents to stay prepared - keep a torch and battery radio handy and charge your mobile phone often.

Important messages for residents:

. If your power is off and your neighbour's is on, please call us on 03 363 9898. We need your information about small localised faults caused by the aftershocks.
. Contact friends and family for help where necessary - wrap up well and stay warm.
. If you do have power, please heat your homes. We are confident our network will cope with the heating load.
. If your power is not yet on, turn the mains switch off and check that nothing has fallen onto stoves and heaters, as this will lessen the risk of fire when power comes back on.
. Stay away from any exposed electrical wires.

ENDS

© Scoop Media