Coromandel power restored - 4pm update

Power has been restored to all 2,967 customers who lost supply after wind blown vegetation damaged the high voltage power equipment between Whitianga and Coromandel township at 7.50am.

Access issues because of flooding initially hampered efforts to restore supply to customers in the upper Coromandel Peninsula area. Flooded roads meant crews needed to use alternative, longer routes to reach the isolated fault site.

While 934 customers had their power restored within several minutes of the fault and another 78 by 10.45am, the access problems for crews hindered restoration of the remaining properties until just after 3.30pm.

“Thanks again to our customers on the upper Coromandel Peninsula for their patience and understanding as our teams worked hard to get power restored as quickly and safely as possible in what have been challenging conditions,” Powerco Head of Network Operations, Caz Haydon, says.

Crews were put on standby yesterday as high wind and rain warnings were issued for the Coromandel region.

High winds have also caused power outages to customers in and around Te Aroha and Paeroa today. 

Power has been progressively restored this afternoon to Te Aroha customers after power was cut to 870 at 11.58am and another 111 at 12.04pm. 

In Paeroa, 285 customers lost supply at 12.49pm and another 99 at 1.18pm.  The estimated time that power is likely to be restored is 5.30pm.

In the event of an emergency such as power lines coming down, Powerco urges people to stay well clear of lines as they may be live and call its 24/7 emergency line on 0800 27 27 27.

Current outage information including estimated restoration times can be found on Powerco’s website here.