A Bay of Plenty man is facing criminal nuisance charges following an investigation into power cuts which led to the death of a Taupo woman.

Fai Deane passed away after her ventilator failed due to the power cuts in the Taupo area in the early hours of Saturday, January 30.

A 21-year-old Rotorua man has been charged in relation to the incident, where a street sign and three power poles had been driven into.

This resulted in a number of residents, including Fai, losing power to their homes.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Cranshaw of Taupo Area CIB, says the investigation required detailed examination of all circumstances.

'The enquiry involved an interview of a number of witnesses, both from the public and those in their professional capacity.

'Once these had been analysed against the rest of the evidence gathered, the charge of criminal nuisance was identified as the most appropriate.”

The accused is due to appear in Taupo District Court tomorrow.