Aurora Energy Preparedness for COVID-19 Level 3

Aurora Energy Chief Executive Richard Fletcher said as New Zealand moves towards COVID-19 Level 3, Aurora Energy was starting to plan the work that is essential for keeping the network safe.

“We are starting to plan the work that is essential for keeping the lights on at your home, when you need it the most,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Any work planned will be rigorously checked to ensure that it is indeed necessary and that it can be done while ensuring the safety of our workers and our customers.

“If we do need to switch off your power for any reason, then we will contact you well ahead of time.

“As a lifeline utility, Aurora Energy will continue to respond to emergency faults and carry out essential safety work on the network during the COVID-19 response.

“Our response crews appreciate your support in these difficult times but as they work to get the power back on, please stay well clear of crews and their trucks to keep you and our essential workers safe.”

Mr Fletcher said Aurora Energy enacted their pandemic response plan that was designed to protect the wellbeing of staff and ensure that essential services are protected.

These steps include:

• Implementing working from home for all but essential personnel
• Ensuring key personnel are separated from one another
• Activating response plans with our contractors with crews in the field
• Restricting travel and in-person meetings

“When we or our contractor crews are in the community, we ask that members of the public continue to enforce physical separation distancing and continue to act safely around our electricity equipment,” Mr Fletcher said.

“As usual, to report a safety concern such as fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment, please contact Aurora Energy immediately on 0800 22 00 05.

“At Level 3, no visitors are allowed into our offices in Dunedin and Cromwell except on essential business and by prior arrangement. Please call us first on freephone 0800 22 00 05 to discuss your query.

“Our response has been made to protect both our team and members of the public and ensure we can keep the lights on. We continue to monitor the situation and will update as it changes.

ENDS