Vector monitoring weather reports; additional crews on standby

Media Releases Network Updates
MetService has advised that heavy rain and wind is in store for Auckland later today and tomorrow, with the potential for severe gales in exposed places. 

Vector’s Head of Network Field Services Marko Simunac says Vector is monitoring the weather and has additional crews ready to respond to any power outages.

“Our response crews and storm management teams are ready to respond, and we are actively monitoring the latest weather advice and our own data on network performance. Strong wind gusts have the potential to damage power lines directly or cause vegetation and debris to blow into lines. Cars colliding with power poles in the wet is also a possibility in this type of weather.”

Mr Simunac said that if the weather caused any power lines to come down, Vector would remotely shut down power to that area as a public safety precaution until crews arrive on site. “As always, our objective is to restore power as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of our crews and the public.

“Our crews are trained to work in all weather conditions and at any hour, but there may be circumstances during which it is unsafe for them to begin or continue working to fix outages, for example during high winds.”

Vector reminds the community that all lines should be treated as live at all times. If you see any damaged power equipment or power lines down, please keep a safe distance away and report it to us as soon as possible on 0508 VECTOR. 

If your power goes out, you can keep up to date with restoration work relevant to your specific address through our Outage Centre, available on vector.co.nz/outages.

ENDS

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO BE PREPARED
 
  • Stay well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times. 
  • Watch out for falling tree branches as these can cause damage to power lines. 
  • Avoid possible damage to electrical appliances (in the unlikely event there is a power surge when the power is restored) by switching off appliances at the wall.
  • Keep a torch and spare batteries handy and ensure that you have at least one telephone that does not rely on electricity for operation. 
  • Ensure that an alternate fuel is always available for cooking (e.g. gas for BBQ). 
  • If you have an electric garage door, prepare how you can gain entry to the garage another way so you have access to your vehicle.
  • Tie down objects on your property that may be impacted by strong winds (ie: trampolines, BBQ’s and BBQ covers).
  • Take extreme care if you are driving in poor weather and delay trips if possible. Do not drive through floodwaters.
  • If you are on tank water please ensure you have plenty of bottled water available.
  • If a planned outage for network maintenance has been advised in your area over the coming days, be aware this could be rescheduled depending on impacts from the weather
  • If life or property is at risk, call 111.