Normal power resumes after severe snow

Crews in the Taupo Plains restoring the damaged network. Photo/Supplied

People in the Taupo Plains have been reconnected to their normal power supply after a severe snow storm brought down lines earlier this month.

Unison Networks said in statement today that a large number of customers, who had been relying on generated power, had now been reconnected to usual network supply following the worst storm-related damage the lines company had seen in over a decade.

"We are thrilled the network is now largely repaired," said Relationship Manager, Danny Gough.

"Over 150 customers, of the almost 200 initially affected, are now reconnected to usual network supply, meaning they no longer need to rely on power from temporary generators.

"We haven't seen damage like this on our network for well over a decade - the sheer weight of the snow pushed poles to the ground, broke and twisted them, as well as snapped lines. The restoration effort has certainly been significant."

"Unison crews, together with our peers from across the country who came in to assist, have now replaced over 200 poles which had been destroyed in the snow storm," said Mr Gough.

He said last Friday customers along Taharua Road had been reconnected to usual supply from the Unison network, and the remaining were being brought back on this week.

"Early this week we have been focused on reconnecting those in Lochinver Station and around the Rangitaiki Tavern area. All going to plan, the remaining customers along Matea Road who were being supplied by temporary generators should be back to normal network supply by the end of the week."

Mr Gough said the company was appreciative of the ongoing support and patience of the local community.

"The support of the community has been incredible and we are hugely thankful. We know that power was just one of the issues the locals had to deal with following the snow storm, and we have really appreciated their ongoing tolerance, support and assistance."

"We've been mindful that keeping our customers informed has been crucial so we've been meeting regularly, sending updates and calling in to keep them up-to-date."

"It's also made a huge difference having crews from Centralines, Electrix, WEL Networks and Broadspectrum help out. We've really appreciated their support."