Counties Energy encourages community to get winter-ready
As the colder months set in, Counties Energy is urging property owners across the community to take proactive steps to keep the power flowing and stay safe and comfortable during winter.
With increased storms and unpredictable weather, power outages become more common – but many can be prevented with a few simple checks.
Counties Energy General Manager Operations, Dale Carline, reminds customers to carry out essential maintenance on private power lines and electrical gear ahead of the coming winter season.
“Now’s the ideal time to check that your home’s electrical setup is in good shape before any severe weather rolls in. No one wants to be caught out with power issues when it’s cold – so take a walk around your property and look for warning signs like leaning poles, damaged or drooping lines, cracked fittings or decaying crossarms. If anything looks off or unsafe, get in touch with a certified contractor to sort it out early.”
Many customers don’t realise that they own and are responsible for the service lines and power infrastructure within their property boundary. This includes power poles, lines and equipment that carry electricity from Counties Energy’s network into homes, sheds and pumps. In some cases, especially in rural areas, this could mean hundreds of metres of line. If the equipment is in poor condition, Counties Energy may not be able to safely reconnect power after a fault until repairs are made.
One of the biggest culprits of power outages during storms is trees. Overgrown or weather-impacted trees near lines can cause anything from flickering lights to full outages. Customers are reminded to keep trees trimmed and maintained, and if they are within four metres of a power line, to always use a qualified arborist and request a free safety disconnect from Counties Energy.
To help customers stay connected and informed during outages, Counties Energy has launched a refreshed version of its Outage Hub app – just in time for winter. The redesigned app offers a cleaner look, faster performance and improved features that make it easier to stay updated during unplanned outages. Customers can now subscribe to updates for multiple locations without needing an account, add an alternative contact to receive updates, and report outages more easily. The updated Outage Hub can be downloaded now at www.countiesenergy.co.nz/outages/download-the-outage-hub/
As we move into winter, it’s also a good time for property owners to check their emergency kits and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. Ask yourself if your whānau can live comfortably for a few days without power if a major storm or disaster hits? With more changeable weather patterns expected, now is the time to stock up on essentials, make a plan, and ensure you’re ready. Check out the handy tips around power outages at www.countiesenergy.co.nz/outages
Find out more about approved contractors and safe tree trimming at www.countiesenergy.co.nz/service-providers