MANY of Tuesday's power cuts in Wanganui, Taranaki, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Wairarapa could have been avoided if tree owners had called in professional tree trimmers before the high winds hit. Powerco Network operations manager Ross Dixon emphasied this to the Chronicle. Fine weather yesterday helped Powerco get on top of the faults,which caused power cuts to more than 16,000 properties throughout its area. The faults, he said, began around 10am Tuesday when winds of up to 130kph caused trees and broken branches to come into contact with overhead lines in Wanganui, Kai Iwi, Waiouru, Marton Hunterville and Patea as well as elsewhere. Mr Dixon said Powerco spent millions of dollars on tree trimming each year and worked with property owners to educate them about the risks of trees growing into and near overhead lines. "Property owners continue to plant and grow trees beneath our lines and then, when we are hit by these severe winds, those trees start causing damage which ultimately causes those property owners and their neighbours to lose power. "Property owners with trees growing near overhead lines should contact certified tree trimming contractors to undertake the work. "They should never attempt to cut or trim trees growing near overhead lines themselves as is it dangerous and illegal. "Instead, they should contact the professionals, who work with lines companies and have the right equipment and training to trim trees near lines safely," Mr Dixon said. Contact details for certified tree trimmers in Powerco s area of operation are available at www.powerco.co.nz.
