Power restored after wind storm

Media statement - for immediate release
4.00pm, Tuesday 24 Sept 2013

Power restored after wind storm

Power has now been restored to all areas affected by the windstorm on Tuesday 10 September. The windstorm, the most destructive to hit Canterbury in 40 years, originally took out power to 28,000 Orion customers.

"We are confident that power has been restored in all areas of our network, although some minor faults may not have been brought to our attention. We need to hear from anyone who still does not have power on. If there are customers out there without electricity let us know and we will work on getting power to you as soon as possible," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

"The devastation this storm caused is probably not fully appreciated. It resulted in the worst damage our network has ever suffered, excluding the February 2011 earthquake. It has been a great effort from all those involved to get to power back onto all customers within two weeks given the destruction," continues Mr Jamieson.

"I would also like to thank customers for their help and patience since the windstorm hit. The messages of thanks and support that people have sent to us provide a real lift to our workers and contractors and are very much appreciated."

Orion has now finished its immediate response mode where its aim is to get power back onto all customers. Orion's next step is to begin the recovery mode, where it aims to restore network resilience. Until that is completed Orion advises its rural network remains more fragile than normal and customers should be aware there is a greater than normal risk of power outages if bad weather hits.

No further press releases are planned to be issued in regards to the wind storm.

ENDS

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