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KCE’s largest power station celebrates 90 years

KCE's largest power station celebrates 90 years

King Country Energy (KCE) has just celebrated an impressive 90 years since power was first generated at its Mangahao Power Station.

The station was opened in November 1924 by Prime Minister at the time, William Massey, and is today one of the oldest operating power stations in New Zealand.

KCE's Energy Supply Manager Chris Fincham said the company is proud to commemorate a successful nine decades of power supply.

"Mangahao Power Station, located in the Tararua Range near Shannon, was originally owned by the government before being purchased by Todd Energy and KCE. Today KCE is proud to own 100 percent of Mangahao Power Station.

"As owners, we are honoured to celebrate 90 years of power supply from the Mangahao Power Station, and we look forward to overseeing many more successful years ahead," he said.

Mr Fincham said of the five power stations KCE owns and operates, Mangahao is its largest, generating just over two thirds of KCE's total generation.

"Mangahao Power Station's average annual output is 131GWh. This is enough to power about 16,000 homes," he said.

Kuratau, Piriaka, Mokauiti and Wairere are the four other power stations owned and operated by KCE.

KCE CEO, Rob Foster, said the enduring and successful operation of the Mangahao power station is testament to the many people who have worked at the scheme over the years.

The station's first power supply went to the local Horowhenua area. Coverage was soon extended to Wellington, followed by Bunnythorpe near Palmerston North for supply to the Manawatu.