Wild Weather Causes Power Outages for Rotorua

9.30am Thursday 22 March 2012 – Approximately 1000 Rotorua customers are without power this morning after high winds and heavy rain caused numerous faults on Unison’s Rotorua network.

Danny Gough, Customer Relations Manager for Unison Networks said lines crews were currently locating the faults, and will be commencing repairs to the network today.

“The weather has brought down power poles and lines across the network in Taupo and now Rotorua. We have committed all available resources to restoring the network but the scale of damage will take time to repair.

“We are reconnecting customers as we progress, but it may take until Friday night to restore the majority of households.”

Mr Gough reminded customers to call Unison first if they do experience an outage on 0800 2 UNISON (0800 286 476).

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During power outages, Unison regularly advises the following safety precautions:
• Check for fallen or damaged electricity lines. Never touch wires or lines lying on the ground, hanging from poles, or objects such as tree branches that may be touching them. Fallen lines or wires may still be carrying an electrical current and could shock, injure or even kill if touched.
• Turn off the power at the main switch if you suspect any electrical damage in your home. If the power goes out, turn off all electrical appliances to prevent possible damage by a power surge when the electricity supply is restored.
• Remember that if the electricity network is damaged, it might take a number of hours to get reconnected, so make sure you have a battery operated radio, a torch, spare batteries, and a full gas bottle for your BBQ as part of your emergency kit.

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