A temporary generator has been has been brought in to power more than 100 properties in the Hindon area but it could be another chilly night for some in Central Otago after snow damage knocked out power for hundreds of customers.
Yesterday about 300 households were without power in Clarks Junction, Hindon, Redbank, Ranfurly, Waipiata-Kyeburn and Middlemarch-Bald Hill, PowerNet said in a social media update.
The company said aerial surveys of the lines showed about 30 broken poles and more than 20 broken cross-arms on the 33kv line between Clarks Junction and Hindon.
The generator will provide electricity to about 100 in the Hindon area but about 80 area still without power in Clarks Junction, Ranfurly-Kyeburn Diggings, Middlemarch-Bald Hill, and Merton-Hummock.
"Crews from Invercargill, Gore, Balclutha, Palmerston and Ranfurly were able to restore electricity to about 100 customers on Monday, however some people may be facing another night without electricity tonight, the company said this afternoon.
"Our teams have been out in it today making repairs, assessing damage, and preparing to (hopefully!) get a generator hooked up. We're hopeful that we will get most customers back on today, but there may be a few who remain without electricity tonight."
PowerNet said crews would be working until dark on Tuesday night to get power restored to as many people as possible.
However, anyone still without power should prepare to be without power overnight.
"Further snow is also expected in the area tonight and in the early hours of tomorrow morning. This could hamper restoration efforts over the coming days and could mean further outages occur," a PowerNet spokeswoman said.
It would continue to provide updates via its website and Facebook page.
Anyone who has had their power restored, only for it to go out again, or who has not previously reported their power is out should do so now by phoning 0800 808 587.
- Allied Media
