A 41 tonne transformer is being installed in Christchurch's eastern suburbs today in an effort to restore power to around 20,000 residents.
Orion will use the transformer as part of its new 3km overhead line from Bromley to New Brighton.
Orion chief executive Roger Sutton says the line would normally take six or seven weeks to build, but it was up in two and a half days. A resource consent for it was granted in 20 minutes.
Sutton says getting the line working will take longer as programming the computers to run it can't be done quickly or by numerous teams of people.
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Electricity is now back on to 85% of Christchurch residents, with a target of getting 95% connected within the next six days.