The impact resulted in the recent model white sedan being written off, yet the driver suffered only minor injuries.

About 10.15pm emergency services responded to the single-vehicle crash at the corner of Barney and Niagara streets.

A 22 year-old male driver, the sole occupant of the sedan, was taken to Armidale hospital with minor injuries.

It is understood he was unlicensed and was not the owner of the vehicle.

Armidale police duty officer Inspector Rod Shoesmith said it appeared speed was a contributing factor of the crash.

"The vehicle is believed to have been heading west along Barney St," Inspector Shoesmith said.

Yesterday police were waiting for the results of a blood test to ascertain if the man had been drinking and if he was over the limit.

"Investigations will also determine if the driver had permission to take and drive the vehicle," Inspector Shoesmith said.

The 22 year-old had not been charged as of noon yesterday, but it was suggested that when police finalised their investigation the young man could face a number of charges.

It appeared the power pole came off worse for wear as a result of the prang.

All of its power lines, including 11,000kVA lines, were broken and the power pole was damaged.

As a result of the crash, Essential Energy switched power off to 751 customers on the western side of Armidale, including the industrial area.

Essential Energy regional general manager Matt Patterson said the power network was remotely switched off after reports of a car accident, to ensure the safety of those in the vehicle and residents in the area.

"Our crews responded immediately, with their first priority being to ensure the safety of those in the vehicle, emergency service workers and residents in the area," Mr Patterson said.

"Our crews then worked quickly to ensure power was restored to households and businesses as soon as possible."

The accident caused low-voltage power lines to fall to the ground and damaged the high-voltage network, including to a device known as a link which required replacement.

Essential Energy said it would seek to recover the cost of the repairs from the driver of the vehicle.

Residents and businesses had power restored at 3.09am yesterday.