Whangamata supply upgrade - 3pm update

Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Whangamata supply upgrade - 3pm update

A planned upgrade to the 33,000 volt line that links Whangamata to the national electricity network has been delayed by a suspected underground cable fault.

Work began on the upgrade at 8am this morning with large portable generators being used to supply electricity while the line was shut down.

However, shortly after work began an unexpected fault occurred, causing around 500 customers to lose power supply.

Areas affected by the fault include Moana Point, Onemana Drive, Opoutere Road, Bambury Place, Russel Bruce Place, Tirohunga Place and Ohui Road.

As a result of this fault Powerco has decided to stop on the planned upgrade so that the field crews can localize and repair the fault without any further disruption to supply.

Powerco Network Co-ordination Manager Phil Marsh said the field crews are working hard to restore supply to all customers as soon as possible.

As well, supply is being switched back from the generators to the main electricity network at the earlier time of 3.30pm.

Mr Marsh said customers will notice a short outage as this happens, lasting about 15 minutes.

Once the fault has been isolated and repaired work will continue on the upgrade on Friday.

“Powerco thanks customers for their patience as these unexpected faults are repaired and the important refurbishment work is undertaken,” Mr Marsh said.

“Security of supply is a top priority for Powerco. Once complete, this work will ensure the reliability of the 33kV line and supply to the Whangamata area.”

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and second largest gas distribution utility with around 400,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Tauranga, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and the Hawke’s Bay.

ENDS

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