Centralines Crews Working to Restore Power

by Alexis Hellyer

Centralines crews have been making solid progress restoring power to customers following damage to the network caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Approximately 5,600 customers had been affected by outages, and less than 850 households remain without power, mostly due to access issues or more complex damage to the network.  

Centralines Relationship Manager Danny Gough says, “It’s great that power has been restored to much of Central Hawke’s Bay. However, we do however face ongoing challenges, particularly in rural areas, with access issues due to slips, flooding and damaged infrastructure.”

“Our crews are doing everything they can to restore power safely and quickly. Luckily the weather forecast is improving, helping our teams get on with repairs.” 

“We’re grateful to our communities for their patience as we work to reconnect them. Please stay safe and if you do see fallen powerlines, treat them as live and stay well away,” says Mr Gough. 

For real time information about the outages across Centralines network or to report an outage, customers should visit www.centralines.co.nz/outages in the first instance. You can also phone 0800 NO POWER (0800 667 693), but we are experiencing very high call volumes. 

During power outages, Centralines regularly advises the following safety precautions: 

• Check for fallen or damaged electricity lines and treat lines as live at all times. Never touch wires or lines lying on the ground, hanging from poles, or objects such as tree branches that may be touching them. Fallen lines or wires may still be carrying an electrical current and could shock, injure or even kill if touched. Centralines is urging anyone who sees a power line down to call 0800 NO POWER. 
• Turn off the power at the main switch if you suspect any electrical damage in your home. If the power goes out, turn off all electrical appliances to prevent possible damage by a power surge when the electricity supply is restored. 
• Remember that if the electricity network is damaged, it might take some time to get reconnected, so make sure you have a battery-operated radio, a torch, spare batteries, and a full gas bottle for your BBQ as part of your emergency kit. 
• Medically dependant customers are advised to prepare for the likelihood of no power and make alternative arrangements in advance.