Media statement - for immediate release
11.30am, Thursday 19 Sept 2013 - next update at 4.00pm

Efforts to restore power supply continue

The number of Orion customers without power, following last week's destructive wind storm, has fallen to nearly 400 this morning. The customers without power are dispersed around the rural region. The storm originally took out power to 28,000 Orion customers.

"We are working as hard as we can to get electricity supply back to the few remaining customers without power. Reduction in the number of customers without power isn't quick now as we are well beyond the stage where a repair that takes up most of a crew's day may bring back supply to hundreds of customers. Now such a repair may only bring back a handful, or less, of customers," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

"We have all of our available resources working on this and many other networks and contractors throughout New Zealand have also sent their crews in to help us. It is a difficult and frustrating time for those without power and I thank these people for their continued patience," continues Mr Jamieson.

We ask any residents using generators to get them installed by registered electricians to ensure the safety of the linesmen repairing the network.

If you see a fallen power line, or a tree on a power line, please stay well clear and call us on 0800 363 9898.

Our next update will be at 4.00pm.

ENDS

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