Christchurch City Council. Municipal Electricity Department. (1920-1989)
Dates
- Existence: 1920 - 1989
Parallel Names
- MED
Biography
In 1903 the Christchurch City Council established a small scale public supply of electricity. In subsequent years other local councils established similar departments. The Electricity Department was restructured in 1920 and was renamed the Municipal Electricity Department in 1922.The Municipal Electricity Department took over the responsibility for the distribution of electricity to Waimairi County in 1946.
On 1 February 1989, the new company, Southpower, was officially formed by the amalgamation of the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Board and the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board. With the addition of the Port Hills Energy Authority and then Riccarton Electricity in November, it became the second largest supply authority for electricity in New Zealand.
Southpower was both a lines company and a retailer of electricity. Following government reform of the sector, in 1998 Southpower sold its retail activities and retained its network activities.
In December 1998 the company was renamed Orion New Zealand Limited.
Orion New Zealand is a community owned entity with two key shareholders - the Christchurch City Council, through its subsidiary Christchurch City Holdings Ltd (89.3%) and the Selwyn District Council (10.7%).
Found in 124 Collections and/or Records:
Advertising, 1980 - 1989
Framed photograph - Colour print 1980s promotional advertising
Akaroa Powerhouse, 1950 - 1960
Framed photograph -Sepia toned old Akaroa Powerhouse 1950s/1960s
Armagh Street Sub 9 Convertor: Prints, 1929 - 1940
Various BW prints Armagh Street sub 9 convertor 1929-1940
Auckland Gas Mains correspondence, 1908 - 1939
Correspondence related to Auckland Gas Mains 1908-1939
Brochure, 1988
Brochure of the Official Opening of Ferrymead Historic Park 24/11/1988
Cabling, Lighting, Staff, photographs, negatives, 1920 - 1960
Street lighting, cabling on the causeway to Redcliffs [slides], cabling [negatives] and Staff reunion [photographs], laying cabling on an unidentiifed location [photographs]
Captain Cook Statue, Lighting, 1934
Framed photograph - bw print - Captain Cook statue 1934
Carpenters Building, 1960
Castle Hill, 1984
Framed photograph - Colour print Castle Hill 1984 featuring J Devroes, P.Shepard, A Brooks and T Scott
Castle Hill Substation construction, 1984
Farmed photograph - Colour print Castle Hill substation under construction August 1984