The effect of severe weather over the last week, combined with the flooding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, has been devastating for our local community. Horizon Networks, in conjunction with local government and Civil Defence, are working together to manage the restoration of essential services and provide every possible assistance to the community. 

Although large areas were flooded, Horizon’s electricity network suffered minimal damage.

At the peak of the event, in the early hours of Thursday 6 April 2017, 1,600 homes were without power -  the majority restored by 7 a.m. that same morning. In the Taneatua area, unfortunately 160 homes were without power overnight until it was safe to access to flood damaged assets. As far as the Edgecumbe township is concerned, Horizon Networks have been working with the Emergency Operations Centre to progressively restore power to affected customers as the flood waters recede. 

We encourage the community to follow instructions and warnings from the authorities to minimise risks to themselves and others.  In the event of power outages, we advise all customers to contact their retailers in the first instance and to treat ALL lines as live at ALL times. 

For more information about preparing for natural disasters or civil emergencies, please visit the Civil Defence website at www.getthru.govt.nz