a-timcadogan2.jpg Tim CadoganPower outages in Central Otago being caused by Aurora Energy's power pole replacement programme are "unfortunate'', but there is never an ideal time for a disruption and the work needs to be done, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan says. Clyde businesses were up in arms about a seven-hour outage that cut power to 630 customers on Saturday, and residents in other areas in Central Otago - as well as elsewhere in Otago - will have power cuts in coming weeks while poles are being replaced. Aurora chief executive Grady Cameron said Aurora was halfway through its fast-track pole programme to remove the risk of 2910 power poles by December 2017. ``We understand the inconvenience that power outages cause, particularly in the winter months, and thank Otago residents for their patience during completion of these necessary works required for the safety and reliability of the electricity network.' Mr Cadogan said it was also important to note the exemplary work of the lines crews ``in very trying conditions'' to get the power pole replacements done.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 03, 2017 18:11 UTC