Orion earthquake response, 4.00pm, Tuesday 14 June 2011

[A map outlining power supply in Christchurch at 4pm today. Map_of_Christchurch_at_4pm_14_June.pdf]

Orion earthquake response

Latest update 4.00pm, Tuesday 14 June 2011

Power restoration efforts have continued in Christchurch this afternoon - about 3,000 customers outside the CBD will be without power overnight, down from 12,000 this morning. Most of these customers are in pockets of the eastern suburbs around the Avon River, and in the hill suburbs, where the greatest ground movement has occurred.

Power is also off to about 2000 premises within the CBD's four avenues, however most are unoccupied or within the Red Zone and did not have power before Monday's aftershocks.

Initial assessment indicates damage from these aftershocks is much less severe than in February. However, Orion will still need to repair multiple underground cable faults in the eastern suburbs - it is too early yet to fully quantify the extent of these repairs. Additional support is arriving from around New Zealand, with specialist cable fault locators and jointers coming to Christchurch to assist our teams.

Our overhead line network has stood up well and no substations appear to be damaged. The newly built 66,000 volt lines that carry power into New Brighton and Dallington have performed well and have been a crucial factor in restoring power to north-east Christchurch.

Overall though, our network in the eastern suburbs does remain fragile and more power cuts are possible. We urge residents to stay prepared - keep a torch and battery radio handy and charge your mobile phone often.

We are currently assessing where generators are needed to supply power. Where generator power is required, hot water cylinders may not heat.

Important messages for residents:

* If your power is off and your neighbour's is on, please call us on 03 363 9898. We need your information about small localised faults caused by the aftershocks.

* Contact friends and family for help where necessary - wrap up well and stay warm.

* If you do have power, please heat your homes. We are confident our network will cope with the heating load.

* If your power is not yet on, turn the mains switch off and check that nothing has fallen onto stoves and heaters, as this will lessen the risk of fire when power comes back on.

* Stay away from any exposed electrical wires.

ENDS

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