11 April 2012

Power stays on after Lyttelton mudslide

Geotechnical engineers continue to assess the land above Orion’s Simeon Quay substation in Lyttelton after a mudslide damaged the substation this morning.

Power supply in the area has been unaffected so far, and Orion is optimistic that the power will stay on unless further slips cause more damage.

The substation supplies power to 1000 customers, including the Lyttelton port.

“The Lyttelton substation was part of our successful seismic strengthening programme started in the 1990s, and that preparation definitely helped the building to stand up to today’s events,” says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

“We are working on contingency plans to keep the power on in case there are further slips and the building can no longer withstand the weight of mud and rubble.”

If power does go out due to damage at the substation, there will be a two step process to restore power to the 1000 affected customers.

First, diesel generators will be put in place to supply power where possible.

Secondly, Orion contractors will dig up and cut existing underground power cables to reconfigure the network and get electricity into the area.

The affected area includes parts of the following streets: Bridle Path Rd, Harmans Rd, Hawkhurst Rd, Jacksons Rd, Norton Close, Ross Tr, Selwyn Ln, Selwyn Parade, Selwyn Rd, Shackleton Tr, Ticehurst Rd, Ticehurst Tr, Cunningham Tr, Dublin St, Dudley Rd, Godley Quay, London St, Norwich Quay, Simeon Quay, Brenchley Rd, Canterbury St, College Pl, College Rd, Crossland Tr, Days Rd, Endeavour Ln, Exeter St, Foster Tr, Harkess Ln, Hyllton Heights, Keebles Ln, Norton Close, Oxford St, Randolph Tr, Reserve Tr, Ripon St, Ross Parade, Somes Rd, Stevensons Steep, Upham Tr, Winchester St, Coleridge Tr, Gilmour, Tr, Gladstone Quay, St Davids St and Sumner Rd.

ENDS

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