Cyclone Gabrielle: Restoration efforts continue – 11:30am update
Powerco field crews are continuing work to reconnect customers impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
As of 11.30am this morning, 29,991 customers are without power across the Powerco network, though this number will continue to fluctuate as the severe weather continues:
- Coromandel – 12,228 customers
- Taranaki – 6,230 customers
- South Waikato – 6,045 customers
- Bay of Plenty – 3,631 customers
- Manawatū – 619 customers
- Wairarapa – 856 customers
- Whanganui – 380 customers
In total, more than 66,000 Powerco customers have been impacted by the storm over the last 24 hours.
Powerco Head of Network Operations Caz Haydon says while reconnecting customers continues to be the priority, the ongoing stormy weather today is still posing challenges.
“We have every crew working to restore power, but flooding, slips and road closures as well as the ongoing high winds and heavy rain, continues to hamper efforts to access fault sites and carry out repairs. Until conditions settle and roads are cleared, our crews are unable to restore power for some of these outages.
“We know this is difficult for our customers to hear – particularly those who have been without power for some time – but the safety of our crews and customers is paramount.”
Caz says the severity of the situation is reflected in the National State of Emergency that was declared this morning.
“If you see our crews out in your community, please be kind and patient with them – they are doing everything they can in extremely challenging conditions, but it will take time for power to be restored.
“Our continued thanks and appreciation goes out to all those impacted, for your patience and understanding as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get you reconnected.”
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.