Gas Supply Disruption I

25 February 2002

NEWS MEDIA RELEASE

Gas Supply Disruption

Natural Gas Corporation (NGC) advises that natural gas supplies to the southern half of the North Island have been disrupted following a rupture of the main high pressure gas pipeline by a bulldozer.

Areas affected are Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Kapiti/Horowhenua, and the greater Wellington region.

NGC has moved to isolate the damaged section of the 8-inch pipeline and is advising natural gas retailers to arrange load shedding, by asking large customers to cease gas offtake.

While still to fully assess the extent of damage NGC believes it may be 24 to 48 hours before repairs are completed and full supply is restored. In the meantime, NGC believes linepack (gas still in the pipeline south of the isolated section) will be sufficient for retailers to continue to supply small users, including households.

NGC received advice of the incident at 3.20pm today and was on location, near Himatangi, North of Foxton, within half an hour. A large volume of gas was vented to air following the rupture. There was no ignition and the gas has quickly dissipated. NGC has received no reports of injury.

NGC’s immediate concern has been to isolate the damaged section, assess the best means of repair and to restore supplies as soon as possible. An investigation will be conducted into the incident.

ENDS

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