Power is out for about 50 properties in the central Wellington suburb of Kelburn, including Victoria University.
Wellington Electricity said it was still trying to determine the cause, but power should be back on by just before 3pm this afternoon.
The affected area included Fairlie Terrace, Kelburn Parade, McKenzie Terrace, Waiteata Road, Mount Street and Salamanca Road, it said.
Victoria University said some of its Kelburn campus buildings were without power, but it could not confirm the impact on classes.