Lyttelton mudslide damages Orion substation - power stays on

A mudslide in Lyttelton has damaged Orion's district substation at 4 Simeon Quay.

The substation supplies power to 1000 customers, including the Lyttelton port.

"At this stage, the damage to the wall and roof of the substation building has not affected the electrical equipment inside, so power remains on," says Orion Chief Executive Rob Jamieson.

Heavy rain continues to fall in the area.

If power goes out due to damage at the substation, there will be a two step process to restore power to the 1000 affected customers.*

First, diesel generators will be put in place to supply power where possible.

Secondly, Orion contractors will dig up and cut existing underground power cables to reconfigure the network and get electricity into the area.

Orion will provide a further update by 3pm this afternoon, or sooner if the situation changes.