Efforts to restore power supply continue

Media statement - for immediate release

11.30am, Tues 17 Sept 2013 - next update at 4.30pm today

Efforts to restore power supply continue

All available crews, including those from other regions, are making every effort to clear storm damage and reconnect supply to the remaining1,200 Orion customers without power. To date we have restored power to over 26,000 customers.

Unfortunately, a truck collided with a power pole in Johns Road this morning and this has caused further damage to our network. This affected supply to approximately 200 customers.

The tree damage to our network as a result of the wind storm is widespread and we continue to work on the remaining pockets of customers without power.

"The progress to restore power to those still affected has slowed as many of the repairs completed only bring on a few customers at a time," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson. "This is not an easy and quick repair and as a result some customers will remain without power. We are making every effort to restore supply to them. We thank our customers for their continued tolerance and patience," continues Mr Jamieson.

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.

Our next update will be at 4.30pm today.

ENDS

© Scoop Media