Customers urged to prepare for power outages ahead of cyclone

Powerco is urging customers to prepare for the potential of power cuts as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks its way south towards New Zealand. 

“We’re keeping a close eye on this potentially severe weather event, which could affect all of the North Island from the early hours of Sunday morning,” says Mark Dunn, Powerco Head of Network Operations. 

“We’re planning for it and have extra crews on standby ready to attend to power outages across our North Island network. It’s important to remember though, that in severe weather events it takes time to reconnect all customers affected by outages.  

“This is because it’s dangerous for our crews to climb poles in high winds so, for their safety, they may not be able to fix faults until the weather calms. And, if there are trees down over lines or roads closed because of flooding, it can be difficult for crews to quickly assess what needs to be done to fix damaged equipment.” 

For these reasons, customers should prepare now to potentially be without power for several days if Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks across the North Island and causes extensive damage to the electricity network.  

Mark Dunn says now is the time to plan and think, “what’s my no power plan?” 

To help customers get through without power, prepare now:  

• Make sure you fully charge your devices and consider having a spare battery or mobile power pack.
• Keep a torch, battery-powered light and spare batteries handy.
• Have a supply of emergency water (consider your animals' needs too).
• Make sure the gas is topped up for your BBQ or camping stove. That way you can continue to prepare hot food for your family.
• Medically dependent on power? Check with your doctor and your energy retailer (the company you pay your power bill to) to ensure your back up plan is up to date.
• If you run a business, consider a back-up generator as part of your business contingency planning. Then, even if the power is out, you can keep operating as usual.
• Protect electronics with surge devices.
• Know how to override your garage door.  

Learn more about how to prepare for power outages. 

Putting away outdoor furniture, securing any loose debris, and tying down your trampoline is also important before high winds arrive, so they don’t take flight and hit power lines. 

Learn more about getting storm ready.

Stay well clear of downed power lines  

If you notice downed lines, for your safety, stay at least 10m away from the lines and poles - that's about the length of a bus – and treat them live at all times.  

If you encounter an emergency situation – such as downed lines – please call 0800 27 27 27 or 111.   
 

How to check for an outage  

Stay up to date on current outages by viewing our interactive outage map.  

Report an outage: If your outage isn't showing on the map, please report it here or contact your electricity retailer (the company you pay your power bill to) to check you are in our system. Reporting your outage helps us ensure we know your specific address has been affected.