11 March 2012 – 2pm
Release #18

Power Restoration Work Continues

Powerco is making good progress in restoring power to customers in South Taranaki and Wanganui today.
Key parts of the network have been rebuilt at sites across the two regions after extreme winds last weekend. There are still around 300 properties without power and a huge effort is underway into getting them back on supply.

The majority are in remote areas of Wanganui, Patea, Waverley and the Waitotara Valley where damage to the network is most severe. A small number of customers in these areas will not have supply restored until later in the week.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said Powerco’s main priority was safety. If customers noticed any fallen lines, including those to farm pumps or sheds, they should contact Powerco on 0800 272 727.

“People must stay vigilant and treat power lines as live at all times. Stay well away from them –lines can be particularly difficult to see in long grass.”

He said that when “backbone” power lines had been repaired, some individual properties may only have partial power. Customers who do not have any power, or supply to only parts of their property should contact their electricity retailers. This is especially important if neighbours have their power back on.

People without power should turn their mains switch off if they leave their property while waiting for supply to be restored.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and gas distribution utility with around 420,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Western Bay of Plenty, 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 Hawke’s Bay. Information about Powerco is available on its website www.powerco.co.nz

People should ring Powerco on 0800 272 727 if they see dangerous sections of the network or lines that are down.

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