Central marked a century of power generation with a community focused event in Roxburgh on Saturday, March 23.

The George power station, the inaugural station of the Teviot hydro electric scheme, first generated electricity on March 27, 1924.

The centennial celebration was in the spirit of the original opening with a celebration walk, old-fashioned children’s games, and unveiling of the original first power pole in Otago.

The public toured the Bridge and Ellis hydro electric stations, which are part of the Teviot hydro scheme.

The day of celebrations were organised by Pioneer Energy and supported by the Central Lakes Trust. 

Southland MP Joseph Mooney, Pioneer Energy chief executive Fraser Jonker and Central Otago district mayor Tim Cadogan. PHOTO: Image Central 

The event featured a parade recognising the past, including older automotives as organisers of the centennial celebrations replicated the inaugural celebrations as closely as possible. PHOTO: Image Central

The Transformation of Energy Science, Art and Photography competition involved tamariki and youngsters in the event.

Categories included an energy photography competition for those aged eight to 18 years, an energy transformation competition (ages 10-14 and 15-18 years old), a drawing competition for seven to 10 year olds, and a colouring competition for five and six year olds.

Winners received prizes including vouchers, prezzie cards or cash.

William Wright and Alexenia Ballantyne won the energy transformation competition.

The drawing competition prizes went to Lucy McCorkindale and Lara Brennan.

Amy Jackson topped the energy photography competition. The colouring competition prizes were won by Archie Smith, Miller Alley and Ty Woods.