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:
The Floral Clock on Victoria Street , 1961
1 colour photograph depicting The Floral Clock on Victoria Street with the Salvation Army Citadel in the background used in a MED Christmas Card.
Tramway Mercury Arc Rectifier , 1988
Tramway Mercury Arc Rectifier information including invite to Ferrymead opening to J.B Marchant
TransGas: Prints
TransGas colour prints
Transmission Lines, 1988
14 x colour prints MED interior and exterior shots of building, and transmission lines
Unidentified building: Print
Unidenfied building 1 x bw print on card
Unidentified staff member, Portrait, 1920 - 1960
Framed MED staff photograph - Unidentified staff member
Unidentified staff member, Portrait, 1920 - 1960
Framed MED staff photograph - Unidentified staff member
Unidentified staff member, Portrait, 1920 - 1960
Framed MED staff photograph - Unidentified staff member
Untitled MED album
M.E.D Untitled album
Waitaki Hydro, 1920 - 1940
Framed photograph - BW print Waitaki Hydro