Power Line Upgrade to Glenorchy soon to be Completed

Operations manager John Campbell says: “We are upgrading the high voltage power lines supplying the township to improve the reliability of electricity supplies to homes, farms and businesses. The Glenorchy upgrade project started last year when foundations for new high voltage power poles were installed above Sunshine Bay, with the poles installed in April this year.

“We would like to advise that brief electricity outages are planned for Glenorchy and Closeburn electricity customers to enable the safe completion of the second stage of the overhead line upgrade for 15 minutes at 4:30pm on Wednesday 7 December.

“In the event that work is unable to be done, then the planned outage will occur on one of the following three days at the same time and for the same 15 minute duration (either on Thursday 8 December, Friday 9 December or Saturday 10 December). Affected customers have been individually notified via their electricity retailer.

“From 5-7 December inclusive (and 8-10 December inclusive if required), Glenorchy and Closeburn will be supplied by a temporary generator. We ask customers to please conserve power between 7:30am and 11:00pm during this period to help maintain reliable electricity supplies. During the week we will install new overhead lines and reconfigure the network supply to Glenorchy and Closeburn.

“We will update this advice if the situation changes. We thank electricity customers for their patience as we carry out this improvement work and apologise in advance for any inconvenience and disruption that may be caused.

“People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should advise their electricity retailer and contact your health provider or call 111. Always keep well clear of power lines and electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times. During a power outage, switch appliances off at the wall to avoid possible damage to electrical appliances when power is restored. To report damage or downed power lines, please contact us on 0800 433 582.

For more information visit www.auroraenergy.co.nz or contact project manager Craig Thompson on call free 0800 433 582.

For media enquiries, please contact Gary Johnson, 021 224 2333.

Aurora Energy is New Zealand’s sixth largest electricity network, supplying electricity to 86,400 homes, farms and businesses in Dunedin and Central Otago. www.auroraenergy.co.nz

ENDS