National grid owner Transpower has declared a grid emergency and directed Vector to reduce pressure on the electricity network by implementing a series of rolling outages.

Vector's Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says he fully appreciates the frustration that outages can cause and the company will do its utmost to minimise the impact while normal operations on the transmission system are restored.

“It is essential to take this action in order to prevent a major outage of greater duration and spread.”

Mr Mackenzie said that while he was unable to provide the specific streets that will be affected the rolling outages will be implemented in the following areas:

The areas affected at this stage are:
Remuera, Ponsonby, Epsom, East Tamaki, Freemans Bay, Manukau, Mt Wellington, Newmarket, Onehunga, Birkdale, Beachhaven, Northcote, Glenfield, Manly, Helensville, Hauraki, Forest Hill, East coast road, Albany, Belmont.

“We need to reduce pressure on the network as quickly as possible without compromising essential services such as hospitals, airports, water and sewerage plants.”

“Transpower has not identified how long the grid emergency will remain in place or when normal operations will resume. People need to be prepared for the fact that it may be necessary to rotate the areas that will have reduced supply of power. We ask that people do all they can to save power at this time.”

While Vector is unable to provide an exact time of when and where these outages will occur, Mr Mackenzie assured customers that every effort will be made to keep them as informed as possible as information became available.

“Listen to your radio for updates and be prepared for power cuts. People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should make necessary preparations and, if there is an immediate health threat, to contact their health provider or call 111.”