Essential supplies needed to repair electricity networks in Southland and Otago are flowing to the southern region to replenish depleted stocks.

This included thousands of kilometres of lines and other materials needed to support repairs.

PowerNet Chief Executive Paul Blue said our supplier Cory’s had been doing an exceptional job in making sure PowerNet got what was needed, via seven truck-andtrailer units, air freight, and train.

“Cory’s, alongside our fantastic industry colleagues from Network Waitaki, Unison, Delta, Connetics, Central Power Installations, ElectroNet and Aurora Energy, have been amazing in providing materials, staff, and equipment to support our restoration efforts. Some material supplies had run low, and the latest shipments will keep our progess moving,” he said.

Mr Blue said as at 12pm on Thursday 30 October, approximately 2,820 customers in Southland and 1,550 customers in Otago remain without power.

“Our expanded team is doing an exceptional job in challenging conditions. While we’ve made some great progress in getting the lights back on (and the milking sheds running) for many, there is still a significant amount of work ahead which will continue into next week,” Mr Blue said.

Meanwhile, PowerNet has recently established an online form for people to log their individual faults. “We encourage people to fill the form out for friends, family, or neighbours who cannot access the form,” Mr Blue said.

“This is the best way for customers to let us know their situation and to tell us more details of any damage. “Thank you to the many people have reported their individual outages to us already. We have recorded as many of these as possible, and this form allows you to provide further information to us which helps streamline our restoration process.”

Customers can still call 0800 808 587 to log their fault if they can’t access the online form, however there will be a long delay in answering due to high call volumes.

It’s extremely important our call centre remains available for emergency situations where there is an immediate danger.

https://powernet.co.nz/outages/report-a-fault-or-power-problems/

By the Numbers as at 4pm 30/10

The Power Company Limited network (Southland)

Total Customers: 38,200

Customers without power: 2,200

OtagoNet network (South Otago)

Total Customers: 15,700

Customers without power: 1,470

Please note these numbers will change as we undertake repairs and identify faults on the network.