Power Outages
We recognise outages may be difficult for some customers to manage, however our priority is ensuring we can maintain a safe, reliable, quality supply of electricity throughout the network.
In an emergency (e.g. car accident involving power lines or a transformer fire), call 111.
Call our 24-hour Faults Line 0800 30 90 80
Click to view our Planned & Unplanned Outages Map
If there's no power at your place, check out the current & planned outages map to see if you're affected by either a scheduled maintenance power outage or a fault. If your outage isn't on the map or for more information, call us on 0800 30 90 80.
MainPower carries out regular maintenance and upgrade work across North Canterbury. From time to time, you may be affected by a planned power outage. If this is the case, you will be notified ahead of time by your chosen electricity retailer.
Unplanned power outages can also occur at any time. Typical causes of unplanned power outages include stormy weather, tree branches and other debris falling on power lines, or car accidents. Check the Power Outage Safety tab for advice on what you should do if you come across one of these situations. Or click here to find out how you can be prepared with a No Power Plan.
Our priority is to maintain continuity of supply and to notify customers of planned interruptions in accordance with our Connection Agreement. When power supply is disrupted, either due to a planned or unplanned interruption or when disconnection is requested by the retailer or an agency other than the customer, every effort is made to ensure human life is not threatened and that legislative and regulatory requirements are met.
Outages FAQs
What can my business do to be prepared for a power outage?
Check your terms and conditions with your electricity retailer - it will detail notification periods for planned electricity network outages and any compensation clauses.
Check your insurance provisions – how long does power need to be off before the policy covers you.
Have a good back up plan and ensure your staff are trained.
Consider the use of manual eftpos and credit card options.
Can your site be supplied by a generator – know your capacity requirements, connection options and generator hire contact details.
Have alternative locations for storage of perishable goods and freezer blankets.
Have back-up alternative locations to work from and phone diversions to mobiles contingency in place and when the power comes on understand what equipment needs resetting.
What should I do during a planned power outage?
If you will be affected by a planned outage, your electricity retailer will send you a letter in advance, so you can make other arrangements.
Planned outages are also listed on our website, visit the planned outages page.
Does MainPower charge for callouts?
MainPower provides a 24-hour fault response service. When a customer’s property or actions have caused the fault, the responsible customer will be charged a call out fee.
Call outs caused by a MainPower network fault will not incur a fee.
MainPower call out fees
Fault call out during normal working hours (7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday):
$228.00+GST minimum charge, plus travel.
Additional charges will be billed for any equipment required. Additional time during business hours will be charged at our standard rate ($114.00+GST per hour).
Fault call out afterhours:
$342.00+GST minimum charge, plus travel.
Additional charges will be billed for any equipment required. Additional time will be charged at our standard rate ($114.00+GST per hour).
All chargeable call outs will incur a minimum fee for a two-hour period (plus travel costs). Where we are required to stand staff down as a result of attending an afterhours call out, we reserve the right to charge a stand down fee.
Who is a priority customer?
Special consideration is given to the continuity of supply to customers whose health or livelihood could be adversely affected by an interruption. Priority customers include those who maintain essential services as well as medically dependent customers.
Customers with serious medical conditions, who rely on continuity of supply to support life, are treated as priority customers. Every effort is made to maintain continuity of supply and, if necessary, to advise them of any interruptions to supply so that alternate arrangements can be made. If you are a medically dependent customer, please ensure we are aware of your needs by contacting your electricity retail provider and letting them know. Or, contact us on 0800 30 90 80.
Why do power outages occur?
There are two types of power outage, planned and unplanned.
Planned power outages occur when we need to complete maintenance work on the network. If you will be affected by a planned outage, you will receive a notification from your chosen electricity retailer in advance.
Unplanned power outages occur when unforeseen circumstances cause damage to the network (e.g. car accidents, tree branches or other debris being blown into power lines etc.).