Most power back on in Christchurch and central Canterbury

Media statement – for immediate release

4.30pm – Thursday, 7 June 2012

Most power back on in Christchurch and central Canterbury

Less than 300 customers are still without electricity in the Orion network area in Christchurch and central Canterbury.

Most of the affected customers are in the rural area west of Christchurch, including in parts of Weedons, Hororata, Kimberley and Castle Hill.

“We know how difficult it is to be without power in these conditions, and we’re working as quickly as we can to get power back to everyone,” says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

“Access difficulties are hampering efforts, especially in the Castle Hill area. In other places damage from trees falling into lines has been significant, which means repairs can take a long time.”

ENDS

• The Orion website gives details of current power outages, including areas affected and estimates for power restoration – see www.oriongroup.co.nz/outages.aspx.

• Orion also uses Twitter to send updates about the power supply situation in Christchurch and central Canterbury – see www.twitter.com/OrionNZ.

Note:

Orion New Zealand Limited owns and operates the electricity network in Christchurch and central Canterbury. Our network covers 8,000km2 between the Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers and from the Canterbury coast to Arthur’s Pass. We deliver electricity to more than 190,000 homes and businesses across this diverse geographic area.

There are 29 electricity distribution companies in New Zealand. Orion’s neighbours are MainPower New Zealand Limited (north of the Waimakariri River), Electricity Ashburton Limited (south of the Rakaia River) and Westpower Limited (west of Arthur’s Pass).

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