Cyclone Yasi a close reminder of what severe weather can do to electricity networks

Friday, 4 February 2011

More than 100,000 Queenslanders were left without power in the wake of tropical cyclone Yasi this week, a clear reminder of the havoc huge storms can cause to electricity infrastructure.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said each year Powerco’s networks sustained damage from storms much smaller than Yasi. However the inconvenience to customers caused by power cuts still led to frustration, much of which could be avoided.

“No electricity system is 100 per cent reliable and no electricity distributor can guarantee customers an uninterrupted supply – some outages are unavoidable as our networks are exposed to events beyond our reasonable control, like storms and car accidents.

Mr Marsh said Powerco was recognised as a leader in the New Zealand energy sector when it came to managing the restoration of supply following severe weather.

“Powerco has the ability to mobilise large numbers of field staff to repair significant amounts of damage to our networks in a short time, as we have done during recent storms which have cut power to tens of thousands of customers across the North Island in the past six months. However we are mindful that customer expectations and reliance on technology are such that many customers feel any power cut is unacceptable.”

For some customers, a short power outage may be a mere inconvenience. For others, an interruption may cause commercial losses. Powerco responds as quickly as possible to fix any supply problems, but it is important that customers understand and consider the level of risk associated with an occasional power cut.

Mr Marsh said there were some simple things customers could do to prepare for storm-related power cuts:

  • Always keep one phone in the house that does not require electricity as cordless phones do not operate without power.
  • Keep a copy of your last electricity bill in an easy to access location with a torch so that you can easily access the phone number of your electricity retailer to call in the event of a power cut
  • For customers with internet browsing on their mobile phones or with battery powered lap-tops Powerco has a website which publishes details of all major faults on the network with estimated restoration times at www.powerco.co.nz
  • Landowners with trees growing close to overhead lines should also call Powerco and arrange to have them trimmed to avoid unnecessary power cuts in their neighbourhood.

If a storm strikes and does cause widespread damage customers should always treat all lines as live at all times and if they identify lines down they should call the emergency services.

“Powerco is constantly investing in the networks, applying new technology and refining our systems to improve the service we provide to electricity customers across the North Island. By taking a few simple steps customers can ensure they are well prepared for the next big storm and they can rest assured we will be out their repairing the damage as soon as possible as long as it is safe to do so,” Mr Marsh said.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and gas distribution utility with around 420,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Western Bay of Plenty, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay.

Information about Powerco is available on its website www.powerco.co.nz.

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