Powerco crews ready to respond

Powerco urges customers to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for the possibility of power outages ahead of severe weather warnings.

Following wild weather in recent days, more heavy rain, strong wind gusts and lightning is forecast to impact Powerco’s eastern network from this evening, particularly the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty.

Powerco Head of Network Operations Caz Haydon says field crews are on standby and ready to respond.

“We do our very best to prepare for extreme weather events and respond quickly by having extra crews on the ground ready to make repairs and restore power to our customers.

“However, with the weather in the last few days already causing slips and flooding in the region, it’s likely that more severe weather will cause damage and outages to our electricity network. For example, power poles in already sodden soils are more vulnerable to high winds.

“Our crews will work as quickly and safely as they can but as we know from past weather events, challenging conditions such as slips or flooding may result in access issues and delay efforts to get customers reconnected.”

Powerco urges customers to secure outdoor furniture before the weather hits.

“Please take the time to secure anything that could blow into lines such as trampolines, outdoor furniture and other loose items such as sheets of iron. Wind-blown debris has caused multiple power outages in previous storms and are a major threat to people’s safety,” says Caz Haydon.

Customers can prepare for possible power outages by stocking up on torches and batteries, ensuring cellphone batteries are charged and BBQ gas bottles filled, and having bottled water on hand if they rely on a pump. Visit the Powerco website for more power outage tips.

The stormy weather has kept Powerco’s field crews busy reconnecting customers’ power since the weekend.

“Our crews are doing a fantastic job in challenging conditions. We want to thank our customers in advance for their patience as our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to make any repairs and restore power in the challenging weather conditions.”

Powerco reminds customers that if they come across downed lines to keep yourself, your children and livestock well away and, once safe, call its 24/7 emergency line on 0800 27 27 27 or 111.

Customers wanting information about power cuts can go to Powerco’s power outage webpage www.powerco.co.nz/outages or can contact their electricity retailer.

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