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Story: Energy supply and use

South Island power stations, 2008

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The South Island’s extensive river and lake systems made hydroelectricity an obvious power source. The stations shown here are those generating 10 megawatts or more in the South Island. Included is the Lake Coleridge station, over 90 years old in 2008, and generating 45 megawatts.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: Electricity Commission

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How to cite this page

Megan Cook, Energy supply and use – Electricity after the Second World War, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/interactive/24078/south-island-power-stations-2008 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Megan Cook, published 12 April 2010.