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NearlyÌý100,000 people spent the day without electricity in NorthlandÌýafter aÌýtransmission towerÌýlinking the region to the rest of the country collapsed.ÌýÌýÌý

Power was restored to most ofÌýthe regionÌýyesterday evening, but consumers were asked to conserve electricity and warned their hot water cylinders would remain off while the amount of energy getting into the area was limited.ÌýÌýÌý

The tower was undergoing maintenance work when it fell yesterday morning but questions remain on the cause of the collapse.ÌýÌýÌý

The country’s grid provider Transpower issued a grid emergency notice. It was the second such notice issued this year after there wasÌýa shortage of generation during a cold snapÌýin May andÌýa solar storm two days later.ÌýÌýÌý

Transpower says they don't yet know why a transmission tower toppled over at Glorit, northwest of Auckland, causing a widespread power outage in Northland. Ìý

NorthPower says supply's been restored to most of the very north of the country while Top Energy's showing 61 customers in Bay of Islands still without. Ìý

But hot water controls are in place, further outages are possible today, and people are urged to conserve power. Ìý

Transpower chief executive Alison Andrew told Mike Hosking that they haven't done a debrief with the crew on-site at the tower. Ìý

She says at the moment they are focussed on restoration, and there will be an investigation, but speculation is unhelpful.Ìý

LISTEN ABOVEÌý

• Businesses expect "significant" losses in wake of Northland power outage
• Northland 'grid emergency': Most homes should get power back tonight but no hot water
• Why did tower fall? Probe launched into region's mass power failure