Orion network gets back to normal after snow

Media statement - for immediate release

4.00pm - Friday, 8 June 2012

Orion network gets back to normal after snow

Fewer than 50 Orion customers are currently without power and this number is expected to reduce to less than 10 by nightfall.

Almost all of the customers still affected by snow are in rural areas west of Christchurch.

"The support and understanding of our community has been greatly appreciated over the past few days," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

"I'd particularly like to thank those people who made life that little bit easier for our staff and contractors who were out in the snow restoring power to our customers. Whether it was clearing snow or supplying cups of tea, their help was appreciated.

"I'd also like to thank our people and contractors who worked up to 14 hour days in freezing conditions to remove snow-damaged trees from overhead lines and get the power back on."

Orion expects that all customers affected by snow will have power tomorrow.

ENDS

Further information:

* 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

© Scoop Media