As of 3:47 PM today (Sunday, September 29) multiple unplanned power outages affected 2,000 homes.

A spokesperson from Aurora Energy says the reason was due to an electrical fault that disrupted power for approximately 2,000 customers in Alexandra and the Omakau area.

It is understood that a 11 kV voltage cable, which supplies electricity to a commercial customer, experienced a termination fault, leading to a small localised fire on a pole structure.

An Aurora Energy spokesperson explained the situation: "At the request of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), we isolated the associated overhead feeders to ensure their safety while they extinguished the fire."

The spokesperson also expressed gratitude for the quick response from both FENZ and Aurora’s 24/7 fault response team, noting that power was restored within about 90 minutes.

"We will continue our investigation into the cause of the cable fault," the spokesperson added, emphasising the company's commitment to understanding and preventing future incidents.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining electrical infrastructure and the importance of swift emergency responses in minimising disruption to local communities.

Areas impacted by the outage include:

• Alexandra
• Galloway
• Letts Gully
• Little Valley
• Springvale
• Waikerikeri
• Becks
• Cambrians
• Chatto Creek
• Clyde
• Cromwell Gorge
• Drybread
• Earnscleugh
• Fraser Dam
• Ida Valley
• Lauder
• Manorburn
• Matakanui
• Moa Creek
• Omakau
• Ophir
• Poolburn
• Saint Bathans

The Central App were also quick to provide a push notification to direct locals to visit the Power outages section located on The Central App for up to date information.