Orion says Christchurch could be in for more power cuts like one on Friday night because it is using overhead lines due to earthquake damage to the ground.
Power was cut for almost three hours from 10pm to about 5000 houses in the eastern suburbs of Dallington, Shirley, Burwood and Parklands.
Orion says a check of the high voltage lines that feed power to the area found no problems, which probably indicates that an animal touched the lines and was vapourised.
Chief executive Rob Jamieson says there are usually underground cabels in urban areas which keep them away from interference from wildlife.
He says that due to liquefaction, temporary overhead lines have been installed which are more susceptible to this type of problem.
