Progress to restore power

Media statement - for immediate release

4.00pm, Wednesday 11 September 2013

Progress to restore power

Power remains out to 15,000 Orion customers this afternoon after strong winds affected power lines across Orion's electricity distribution network overnight. Most power cuts are due to trees or branches falling onto power lines.

The areas still affected are predominantly in the rural region west of Christchurch with power restored to most of urban Christchurch. Half of Orion's major rural substations remain without power and teams continue to assess the extent of the damage.

"Last night 28,000 customers were without power. As of 4pm we have managed to restore power to approximately 50% of affected customers," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

"Unfortunately access has proved difficult today, primarily due to fallen trees, and it took some time for us to be able to get to some rural substations safely. We have now reached all substations and are looking to get these back on line which will allow us to determine the extent of the damage throughout the rest of our rural network," continues Mr Jamieson.

"Our crews are working as quickly as they safely can. However, there is extensive damage and so customers need to prepare for the possibility of extended power cuts. If a customer is without power at 4pm today they should prepare for a night without power. In some cases, power could be out for up to five days."

Please check on your neighbours and ask friends and family for help if necessary.

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

Unless there are significant developments overnight, our next update will be at 7.00am.

ENDS

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