Christchurch power supply update - 4pm Wednesday 15 June

Orion has restored power to almost all of Christchurch outside the CBD's four avenues - less than 150 customers will be without power overnight outside the CBD.

We thank our staff and contractors for their dedication and commitment. Their outstanding efforts mean we have exceeded our targets, restoring almost all power within 48 hours of Monday's aftershocks.

We are aware that a small number of customers within the CBD's four avenues, but outside the Red Zone, are still without power. Power is supplied to these customers from within the Red Zone which is currently locked down. The safety of our staff and contractors is our top priority and we must comply with access restrictions put in place by authorities.

Four diesel generators have been installed on our network, supplying power to approximately 1,000 homes in Avonside and Bexley. Generators will supply power until the network is repaired.

Some large 11,000 volt underground cables in the eastern suburbs have been damaged by earth movement. We are still quantifying the extent of this damage, which we expect to be similar to that experienced in the September quake.

The new 66,000 volt (66kV) overhead lines built to replace damaged underground cables in Dallington and New Brighton after the February quake have been crucial in keeping power on to 20,000 customers in north-east Christchurch.

The high voltage 66kV underground network that carries power around the city has suffered no further damage as a result of the June aftershocks.

Important messages for residents:

. The electricity network in the eastern suburbs is fragile - please stay prepared for further power cuts. Keep a torch and battery radio handy and charge your mobile phone often.
. If your power is off please call Orion on 03 363 9898. We need your information about the small number of remaining faults caused by the aftershocks.
. Contact friends and family for help where necessary - wrap up well and stay warm.
. Please heat your homes. We are confident our network will cope with the heating load. At the same time, if you're in the eastern suburbs please use electricity wisely and turn off unnecessary appliances such as heated towel rails.
. If your power is not yet on, turn the mains switch off and check that nothing has fallen onto stoves and heaters, as this will lessen the risk of fire when power comes back on.
. Stay away from any exposed electrical wires.