A Central Otago township was without power for more than eight hours in temperatures that dropped to minus 10 degrees Celsius. It owns and operates the poles, lines and other equipment that distributes electricity to 90,000 homes, farms and businesses across Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. "[It] was the coldest June day in Clyde, Central Otago since 1978 ... Last year Stuff reported Otago power consumers could potentially pay their lines company up to $500 over three years, as it embarks on the investment programme. “This is about the safety and wellbeing of the people of Clyde and Central Otago.”

Source: Stuff June 30, 2020 21:01 UTC