Pioneer Energy is urging Central’s tamariki and rangitahi to enter the ‘Transformation of Energy Science, Art and Photography competition’ by 5pm this Friday, March 15. 

There are several categories and age groups in teh competition, and it is themed around creativity capturing energy and its various changing forms, including renewable power.

Competition information is online at Pioneer Energy’s website.

The competition is part of the 100 years of energy celebration on Saturday March 23.

Competition entries and winners will have their work displayed as part of the 100 years of energy expo in the Teviot Union church hall from 10am - 3pm.

The judging of the science category will be completed at 12 noon, the drawing, colouring and photography categories will be judged prior to the celebration. 

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 March 27, 1924.

Pioneer Energy chief executive Fraser Jonker

Pioneer Energy chief executive Fraser Jonker said the core focus for the company was to celebrate this birthday with the community, who have been at the epicenter of electrical innovation throughout the region.

“We aim to retain the innovative spirit of those early pioneers as we develop . . . sustainable solutions for future generations.”

The centennial celebration will be 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 will also have the opportunity to tour the Bridge and Ellis hydro electric stations, which are part of the Teviot hydro scheme.

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) chief executive Barbara Bridger said CLT was proud of its ownership of Pioneer Energy and was looking forward to celebrating the milestone.

“Pioneer’s predecessor Otago Central Electric Power Board [was] bestowed on CLT 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.”

For more information on the event and competition email: [email protected]