Only a small number of customers remain without power after the 23 October storm, which caused widespread damage to power networks across Southland and South Otago.

PowerNet Chief Executive Paul Blue emphasised that, although the State of Emergency has been lifted for Southland and Clutha, recovery efforts are still underway and the work is far from finished.

Staff are in contact with the few customers who have not had their power restored. In some cases this was due to extensive damage with the service lines on their property, which meant restoration was not able to happen quickly.

“We’ve talked with all the customers we are aware of to understand their needs and they have generators to keep them going until power can be fully restored.

“If there’s anybody who hasn’t heard from us and doesn’t have power, they need to get in touch urgently on 0800 808 587.”

Mr Blue said over 50,000 customers have had their power restored since the storm, thanks to a massive effort by PowerNet staff, colleagues from around the country, contractors and suppliers.

“The network damage we saw in this storm was unprecedented and it’s quite an achievement to have power restored to so many.”

While crews are still deployed to repair the properties without power, most PowerNet staff are now beginning to return to planned work.

Mr Blue said people should be aware that while the obvious storm related damage to the networks has been repaired, there may be damage that is not immediately visible that could result in unplanned outages in the coming months.

“It’s important that we get back to our planned maintenance as quickly as possible to ensure our networks are resilient to future weather events.

“Our customers should be notified by their retailer of any planned outages and they can also keep an eye on our website for information.”

Mr Blue said he wanted to once again thank everyone for their support during this major event.

“Everyone, from the PowerNet staff, our electricity industry colleagues from around the country, our contractors, suppliers and the entire community, rallied together to get through this and that’s something to be very proud of.”