Power restoration efforts ongoing

Orion media statement - for immediate release
4.00pm, 6 Mar 2014

Power restoration efforts ongoing

Of the 7,000 customers that were without power at the height of the wind and rain storm, we expect that by nightfall fewer than 100 customers will remain without power. At 4.00pm fewer than 200 customers have no electricity supply.
Customers without power are mostly around Banks Peninsula, although some parts of Christchurch and some small pockets of our rural network are also affected.
"At this stage of a recovery event, it is unfortunately always slow progress as many of the repairs we are now undertaking require considerable time to complete, yet they only bring back power to one or a handful of customers. For those still without power it is a very frustrating time and I thank these customers for their ongoing patience and tolerance. I appreciate their dealing with the storm, coupled with power outage, can't be easy," says Orion Chief Executive, Rob Jamieson.

"It has however been a great effort from our staff and contractors to get to the position where we are at now. The multiple impact nature of this storm, which has meant dealing with issues such as gale-force winds, flooding, slips and road closures, has presented challenges for the line crews but we are gradually getting there."

We recommend that anyone whose house or business has been flooded, have their electricity wiring checked by a registered electrician. Particularly if flood waters have reached the levels of plugs.

We ask any residents using generators to get them installed by registered electricians to ensure the safety of the linesmen repairing the network.

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.
An update on the number of customers without power will be provided on the homepage of our website, www.oriongroup.co.nz, tomorrow morning at 7.30am.

No further media release will be issued today.

ENDS

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