7/8/16 8pm: Power Restored for Some

Power Restored for Some, Around 400 Remain Without Power Across Taupo Plains and Parts of Hawke’s Bay

Sunday 7 August, 2016 8pm – Unison Networks advised around 100 customers have now had their power restored as its field crews have commenced what is becoming an extensive restoration programme.

Approximately 400 still remain without power across the Taupo Plains and parts of Hawke’s Bay.

Taupo Plains Update:

The wild weather has brought down around 150 33kV poles, and about 50 11kV poles across the Taupo Plains, which is now covered in snow about one meter deep.

Unison Relationship Manager, Danny Gough said that around 200 customers remain without power, and the teams had to wait for snowto melt or be cleared before they could commence the restoration programme.

“Our affected network spans about 60km, all of which is covered in thick snow, and high winds blustering through the ranges.

“Along with the fallen poles, many are also broken, those poles still standing are twisted, and there are wires strewn across the landscape . It’s real network devastation.”

He advised those customers will likely face no power for about a week, and the team were working with the community to keep them as informed as possible.

“We have started calling affected customers to urge them to make alternative arrangements and will continue that tomorrow. We have also been liaising with Civil Defence, Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ, and Rural Support.

“We are all going to work together and try and ensure our community gets through this challenging time; which will also involve looking at where generators might be of most benefit for community welfare.”

He also advised for those dairy farmers still milking, the Company advised they should organise portable generation if they can.

“In terms of the response plan, as soon as we can get access multiple gangs will commence restoration. We have arranged for our teams in Rotorua to come down to assist our Taupo crews.

“We have also been kindly offered assistance from our peers at Northpower, Electrix and Horizon.

“Once our Hawke’s Bay crews complete restoration in the local network, they will make their way up north to assist.”

Hawke’s Bay Update:

The team has now completed their aerial assessment of the network, and has confirmed damage is severe for network areas that feed customers in Tutira, Patoka and Ridgemount/Pohokura, Puketiri, Esk Valley and Otamauri.

Relationship Manager Danny Gough said those customers could be without power for a few days.

“We are committed to getting these customers back on as soon as we can, but damage is extensive, so we are urging customers to make alternative arrangements where they can, as well as reach out to wider support of family and friends.

“We have assigned about 10 gangs, as well as support from Centralines, across about seven sites to get restoration underway.

“We have about twenty poles down, but there are extensive vegetation issues and lots of wires lying across the ground. We also face very tough terrain in this region, so that will be the biggest challenge.

“We are working with Civil Defence who are assessing needs in terms of access, supplies and animal welfare. We have also been liaising with Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ and Rural Support to help our community get through this challenging time.”

General:

He said the team was very thankful for everyone’s patience and the support that has been very well received by those in the field.

If outages occur through the middle of the night, he advised customers call 0800 2 UNISON in the first instance.

“Social media updates will resume in tandem with our crews at first light.”

Customers can refer to Unison’s website for advice on getting through power outages and electrical safety: http://www.unison.co.nz/tell-me-about/safety

-Ends-

Previous update

Unison Advises Severe Network Damage to Taupo Plains

Sunday 7 August, 2016 2.25pm – Unison Networks has advised full aerial assessment indicates severe damage to the network on its Taupo Plains area, meaning customers could be out for a prolonged period.

Initial assessment shows about 150 33kV poles, and about 50 11kV poles are down across the Taupo Plains, affecting just under 200 rural customers in the area.

“Based on the current information we have, customers could be without power for about a week,” said Relationship Manager, Danny Gough.

“We understand this will be a huge frustration for these customers and we are mindful of the impact. We will be dedicated to the restoration efforts, and will progressively put power back on as we go, as soon as we can get in to commence the restoration programme.

“We are getting in touch with our peers across the industry to get support from crews in other regions as we plan what is going to be an extensive restoration effort.”

He said therefore the Company was urging those customers to make preparations.

“We advise these customers to look at their wider support networks and make arrangements where they can, including reaching out to rural support services and welfare support.

“We will be liaising with Civil Defence to coordinate the response, and look where generators could be used.”

He said all crews will be dedicated to the restoration and the team was very thankful for everyone’s patience.

“We have been overwhelmed by everyone’s patience, and understanding of the impacts of the weather on our network.”

For those customers without power in Tutira (about 180 customers), damage was also likely to be significant based on initial reports, but the team was awaiting the helicopters to return from their patrols with final damage reports.

Smaller numbers of customers are still off in Tangoio (89), Esk Valley (63), Puketitiri (12), Waipunga (47), and Patoka (25). For areas where access is not limited and safety is not being challenged, Unison’s focus will be to get those customers restored as soon as possible.

Customers can refer to Unison’s website for advice on getting through power outages and electrical safety: http://www.unison.co.nz/tell-me-about/safety. Updates are also available on its Facebook page.

-Ends-

© Scoop Media