Orion earthquake response

Latest update 9.00am, Tuesday 14 June 2011

Orion has made good progress restoring power after yesterday's earthquakes, reconnecting a further 5,000 Christchurch residents and businesses overnight. We now have 90% of the city back on - about 15,000 customers remain off. The electricity network company expects to make significant progress this morning.

Areas still without power this morning include Sumner, Redcliffs and Mt Pleasant, and parts of some other eastern suburbs. Orion will be focusing on restoring power to the hills suburbs this morning.

Orion General Manager Commercial Rob Jamieson says the company expects to have a clear picture by midday of damage to its network following yesterday's earthquakes.

"We know that there are multiple high voltage cable faults, however fortunately our substations haven't sustained any damage that we're aware of. The temporary high voltage overhead line operating in Dallington has worked well to resupply power to a large area of the eastern suburbs," Mr Jamieson says.

Orion aims to restore power to 95% of the city by nightfall tonight.

The company asks Christchurch eastern suburbs residents to continue to use electricity wisely during this time, however do use any heating available to stay warm.

If your power is not yet on:
. contact friends and family for help where necessary
. turn the power off at the main switch if you are leaving your home
. stay away from any exposed electrical wires.

ENDS

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