Fallen tree means no power for a week

Powerco has gone the extra mile to ensure residents in a remote part of inland Whanganui have power.

The power supply company has provided generators and fuel to 10 customers in the Ahu Ahu valley after a falling tree brought down an overhead line on Friday night.

Phil Marsh, Powerco network operations manager, told the Chronicle the damaged part of the network crosses a forestry block north of the city.

Mr Marsh said staff were working to restore the power to the area but it was weather-dependent because a helicopter will be used to install the replacement overhead wire.

"It could take a week to complete the work so we have supplied affected customers with generators and fuel," he said.

Powerco staff and contractors had visited customers to explain the situation.

"We appreciate how understanding they have been," Mr Marsh said.

Meanwhile he said Powerco has been working with the forestry owner to identify trees that need to be cleared before repair work can start.