Electricity is being gradually restored across Gisborne this morning, after crews completed repairs to high-voltage lines faster than expected.

Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp

Power was switched off at 6am for the work and was expected to remain off until about 2pm, however Eastland Network general manager Brent Stewart said hard-working crews in ideal weather finished the job about 9.30am.

Mr Stewart said Eastland was restoring power gradually and everyone should have power within 15 minutes.

The high-voltage lines were badly damaged near Hangaroa on Monday, when a top-dressing plane crashed into them, killing two people and leaving 40,000 without power for more than a day.