Power restored to Wairarapa homes

Electricity has been restored to the 5500 Wairarapa households that suffered power cuts after strong winds snapped power poles yesterday.

Almost all the homes had power restored last night, and the 50 remaining houses were reconnected by this afternoon, Powerco network operations manager Phil Marsh said.

"Powerco is mindful that it is Christmas Day and we wish to thank our customers for their patience over the past 24 hours and wish them a Merry Christmas."

As well as snapping poles, the high winds had also caused trees and branches to snap and rip through lines, and Mr Marsh said the wild weather was a clear example of what happened when tree-owners allowed their trees to grow too close to overhead lines.

"Tree owners need to take responsibility for their trees and have approved tree trimmers clear their trees away from overhead lines to avoid problems like we have experienced today which cause widespread inconvenience to our customers," Mr Marsh said.

"Safety is Powerco's top priority and people should not attempt to cut trees growing close to lines themselves. People should call in the professionals to do the work safely and avoid unnecessary power cuts."

- NZPA