Nearly 700 homes without power in Christchurch

The lights went out in Heathcote Valley at 9.30pm and are expected to be back on after midnight. Image / Orion

A power cut has plunged nearly 700 homes into darkness in the Christchurch suburbs of Heathcote Valley and Hillsborough.

The power cut happened around 9.30pm. Electricity provider Orion said crews were working to restore power to those properties affected.

Electricity is expected to be restored by 12.30am.