100 Years of Energy to be Celebrated with Community Events

Pioneer Energy, with the support of Central Lakes Trust (CLT), are pleased to invite the community to join in the festivities as they celebrate 100 Years of Energy on Saturday, 23 March.

The community-focussed event marks a century since the George Power Station, the inaugural station of the Teviot Hydro Electric Scheme, first generated electricity on 27 March 1924.

“The core focus for us is to celebrate this birthday with the community, who have been at the epicentre of electrical innovation in our region” says Fraser Jonker, Pioneer Energy CEO. “We aim to retain the innovative spirit of those early pioneers as we develop innovative and sustainable solutions for future generations.”

In a nod to history, the centennial celebration will be in the spirit of the original opening celebrations with a celebration walk, old-fashioned children’s games, and unveiling of the original first power pole in Otago.

The public will also have the opportunity to tour the Bridge and Ellis Hydro Electric Stations that make up part of the Teviot Hydro scheme.

“We are proud of our ownership of Pioneer Energy and are very much looking forward to celebrating this remarkable milestone,” says Barbara Bridger, CEO of CLT.

“The assets of Pioneer’s predecessor Otago Central Electric Power Board were bestowed on Central Lakes Trust in 2000 and since then it has been a privilege working with Pioneer Energy to grow New Zealand’s renewable energy generation capabilities whilst granting over $140m to our community.”

Don't miss out on this historic celebration.

Come together with friends, family, and the community to mark a century of energy milestones and innovations.

Event Schedule:

100 Years of Energy Expo: 10 am - 3pm

Location: Teviot Union Church Hall, 72 Scotland St, Roxburgh

View the Transformation of Energy Science and Art Competition entries, displays on the history of electricity generation in the region through to modern projects and innovations.

Lower Teviot Station Open Day: 10 am - 12:15pm

Location: 57 Roxburgh East Road- Signs will be out on the street

Explore the Bridge and Ellis Hydro Electric Stations that make up part of the Teviot Hydro Scheme.

The Stations are a short walk from over the bridge and along the cycle trail or a 2 minute drive.

Please park in front of the Aurora Substation or in the cycle track carpark and walk down the short driveway to the stations.

There may be a short wait if staff are already speaking to a group, as the stations are reasonably small.

There will be signs indicating where the tours start.

Transformation of Energy Science and Art Competition: 12pm

Location: Teviot Union Church Hall, 72 Scotland St, Roxburgh

The competition is comprised of photography, artwork and models from students in the region.

Judging of the Transformation of Energy Science Competition will commence at noon.

All other categories will be judged prior.

Centennial Celebration Walk & Ceremony: 1 pm

Join in as we pay tribute to the original opening ceremony 100 years ago with a commemorative walk commencing at the corner of Ferry and Cheviot Streets, concluding at the corner of Abbotsford and Scotland Streets.

The Walk will feature the Roxburgh Brass Band. Join the procession as it walks past.

The Celebration Walk will be followed by a ceremony at the Teviot Museum (77 Scotland Street) marking the occasion and will include the unveiling of the first power pole erected by a power board in Otago.

Children’s Championship: 1.30pm - 3pm

Location: Abbotsford Street Cul de sac

Egg and spoon races, sack races, three-legged races, and more.

Suitable for ages 5-12, parents welcome to participate too.

Teviot Museum Open Day: 10 am - 3 pm:

Location: 11 Abbotsford St and 77 Scotland St, Roxburgh

Discover the Teviot Museum displays, including the historic first generator for the George Power Station.