Update 1 - Storm-Related Power Outages: 22 July 2017, 10:30am

In weather conditions like this, please conserve power where it is possible.

Dunedin

We currently have around 120 customers without power spread across small outages in the city.

• 19 customers in Green Island have been without power since last night. Line crews attended the fault last night, but could not carry out repairs due to unsafe work conditions caused by the weather. Lines crews are attending this fault now and making repairs where possible.
• 37 customers in the Leith Valley area and one customer in Blanket Bay are without power due to landslides. We are working with civil contractors this morning to assess the situation.
• 40 customers are without power on Bush Road in Green Island. We have line crews on their way to this fault now.
• Power has been restored to all customers in the Outram/Berwick area that were without power early this morning. We are still making repairs, so please be prepared for further outages as we complete repairs.

Central Otago / Queenstown Lakes

We currently have around 30 customers without power in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes region.

• Customers in Millers Flat and Fruitlands area are without power. We have line crews on their way to this fault now.
• Customers in Cardrona Valley have been without power since last night. A tree has downed a powerline. Line crews attended the fault last night, but could not carry out repairs due to unsafe work conditions caused by the weather. Lines crews are attending this fault now and making repairs where possible.

Keep safe

Severe weather looks to be slowly improving, but customers should still be ready for the possibility of unplanned power outages. We understand the inconvenience that service interruptions cause and we will be working hard to restore power to affected customers as soon as is safely possible. The safety of the public and line crews is of primary importance at all times.

People should be prepared for the possibility of electricity-related hazards and unplanned power outages, in particular:

• Always keep well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times
• Watch out for falling tree branches as these can cause damage to power lines
• If a power outage occurs, switch appliances off at the wall to avoid possible damage to electrical appliances when power is restored Be prepared for power outages.
• Make sure you have adequate food supplies, warm clothing and bedding, torch and spare batteries, battery radio and an alternative source of heating and cooking.

People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should ensure they are prepared for power disruptions and if there is an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.

ENDS