MEDIA RELEASE

22 March 2012
9.30am

Severe Weather Causes Further Power Cuts

Extreme winds have battered Powerco’s electricity network in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Manawatu, causing widespread power cuts.

The storm caused trees and branches to tear down overhead lines from around 9pm last night.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said a total of 7000 customers were without power as the storm peaked overnight, but the number had since dropped to 500.

“We’re working on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”

Meanwhile, good gains were made overnight restoring power to customers who lost supply when severe winds damaged the network in Taranaki and Wairarapa on Tuesday.

Mr Marsh said field staff would continue restoring supply to the remaining 100 customers. The majority are in New Plymouth, Bell Block, Lepperton, Okato, Urenui, Pungarehu and Waverley. There are also a small number of properties without supply in Wairarapa.

“These are areas where the network was significantly damaged by the winds. Debris and fallen trees have to be cleared before repair work can be safely carried out.”

Powerco urged members of the public to stay well clear of any downed overhead lines and to treat all lines as live at all times. To report downed lines contact Powerco on the emergency line 0800 272727.

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. Customers should contact their electricity retailers to report faults and for estimated restoration times.

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