Aurora Energy says while it has received complaints of damage after a low voltage event in Lake Hāwea in late June, it generally doesn’t accept responsibility - and affected customers should instead contact their insurance company.

The company confirmed it had received six enquiries about damaged appliances or electrical items after the event, which included two unplanned outages which affected thousands of people.

There was also a low voltage event, which occurs when the voltage in an electrical system drops below the normal operating level.

The Wānaka App is aware of reports of households facing up to $600 in damages after the event.

Aurora Energy customer and commercial services general manager Mark Pratt said anyone affected should contact their insurance company in the first instance.

He said best practice is for people to switch off appliances at the wall during a power outage to avoid possible damage when power is restored.

Using surge protection devices can also protect appliances and electrical equipment, he said, and he also suggested people install protection to automatically disconnect equipment that is vulnerable to damage by unbalanced or reduced voltage, he said.

The company has come under fire recently for a separate issue - the removal of its customer compensation scheme for power outages.

Read more: Power cut compensation policy questioned

Wānaka resident Jessie Byrne said she learned after pressing the company for answers that the decision to remove the scheme followed only around a dozen submissions in support of the proposal.

She says she wants the company to reinstate the compensation - and engage with the Lake Hāwea community in a meaningful way.

The Hāwea Community Association may help facilitate a meeting with Aurora Energy in Lake Hāwea in the coming months, chair Cherilyn Walthew says.

PHOTO: Supplied