Severe weather causes multiple outages and challenging conditions for crews

Extensive damage to Powerco’s network caused by high winds blowing trees and other debris into power lines, has resulted in outages for thousands of customers.

Bay of Plenty and Taranaki have taken the hardest hit with winds continuing throughout the day, however all areas supplied by Powerco have been affected throughout the day.

Despite the fact crews have been out in force trying to battle severe weather conditions to restore power to those affected, continued high winds and poor visibility means some customers will be without power overnight.

It is a decision that has been made to keep crews safe, Powerco Network Operation Manager Karen Frew says.

“Our crews have been out all day working to get the power back on to customers when it has been safe to do so. Unfortunately, the continued severity of the weather has meant that at times it has been too dangerous for them to be up power poles working in those gusts.

“The conditions are still extremely challenging, not to mention the fact that many of them have been working since the early hours of the morning. So, for safety reasons, we will be standing crews down for the evening at 9pm, except for those who will be on hand to respond to any emergencies during the night. The rest of our crews will start work again at first daylight.

“We know that this is a difficult message for our customers who are still without power to hear and we are very grateful for their continued patience and understanding as we look after the safety of our crews,” Karen Frew says.

Customers are advised to check Powerco’s outage map for current outage information, including estimated outage times available at https://outagemap.powerco.co.nz/outagesandfaults/.

Powerco reminds people that if anyone comes across downed lines, keep yourself, your children and livestock well away and, once safe, call Powerco’s 24/7 emergency line on 0800 27 27 27.