Unison brings in extra crews to assist with Taupo Plains network rebuild

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Unison Networks said crews from across the country were arriving in the Taupo Plains today to assist in the Company's network restoration efforts.

Relationship Manager Danny Gough said they were overwhelmed with offers of support and had been waiting for access to clear so they could mobilise extra crews on site.

"With additional crews arriving today from Electrix, WEL Networks, and Broadspectrum, as well as from our own Hastings team, we will now have around 70 field staff on the ground."

It made a huge difference having peers from across the industry reach out to help, he said.

Ranjit Manak from Auckland-based Electrix said as soon as they saw what had happened to Unison's network in the Taupo Plains, they put in an offer of support.

"This is just what we do in this industry; when we see emergencies like this, we put in the call and offer help.

"The damage to Unison's network is certainly significant, and the extra help will mean Unison can have the network repaired sooner, and customers back on."

Hamilton-based WEL Networks General Manager, David van Deventer, concurred.

"Earlier this month, Waikato experienced a major weather event which caused significant power outages to our communities, so we appreciate how challenging this situation will be for our Unison colleagues."

Rotorua-based Broadspectrum (formerly Transfield Services Limited) has a long-standing relationship with Unison, and is also sending in support.

Mr Gough said crews from Northpower (Whangarei), Horizon Energy (Whakatane) and Connetics (Christchurch) were also on standby.

He said while the majority of customers in the area were currently running via generation, customers would be progressively restored to full network supply now repairs were underway.