Changes from new pole behind power cuts: Aurora

AN investigation by power company Aurora Energy has found a new pole was ‘‘most likely’’ behind repeated power outages in a Dunedin suburb late last year.

At the time, the Otago Daily Times reported a Green Island restaurant owner was fed up after being forced to turn away customers during a spate of power cuts, saying the outages had cost him and neighbouring businesses tens of thousands of dollars.

They called for clearer communication from the power company.

Aurora Energy apologised at the time and said it would launch a formal investigation.

That found a repetitive fault was most likely caused after tension was altered on the line on Main South Rd at Fairfield following the installation of a new pole nearby.

‘‘High winds could then move the line close enough to touch a street light arm on successive occasions, causing the power cuts in this area.

‘‘Due to the nature of the intermittent faults, this was very difficult to identify,’’ a spokesman for Aurora

Energy said.

It said the faults ceased after Aurora contractors removed the head of the streetlight.

Aurora Energy has completed a recent drone survey of the network in Green Island.

The company said that highlighted the need for maintenance in other areas of the Fairfield feeder line and that was scheduled for later this year.

Planning was also under way to renew the Green Island substation, which supplies Fairfield and surrounding areas, in coming years.