Efforts continue to restore power supply

Media statement - for immediate release

4.30pm, Tues 17 Sept 2013 - next update at 11.30am tomorrow

Efforts continue to restore power supply

Electricity still remains out to 1,000 of the original 28,000 Orion customers that lost electricity supply in last week's destructive wind storm. Contractors are continuing to make progress to clear fallen trees and debris before working on the damaged lines.

Unfortunately the progress to restore affected customers today has been impeded by two vehicle pole incidents as well as a dropped tree on a line and a bird strike which caused the number of customers without supply to temporarily rise.

Our total focus remains to reconnect as many of our customers as quickly and safely as possible.

To avoid the possibility of electrocution of those working on the lines we ask that anyone installing a generator have this undertaken by a registered electrician. An incorrectly installed generator may send power back into the electrical network while it is being worked on by a linesman resulting in electrocution.

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 11.30am tomorrow.

ENDS

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