Bird strike, a fallen tree and two vehicle crashes today hampered contractors working to reconnect power to about 1000 Canterbury properties.
Contractors have to clear fallen trees and debris before working on the damaged lines to reconnect Orion customers, who have been without power since last week's storm.
An Orion spokesperson said progress had been slowed today by two vehicles crashing into poles in two separate incidents, as well as a dropped tree on a line and a bird strike. All combined to cause the number of customers without supply to temporarily rise.
Linesmen from across the South Island have been recruited to help with the efforts.
