Pioneer Energy (previously known as Pioneer Generation) is a New Zealand electricity generation and retail company based in Alexandra, Otago. As of 2024 it owns and operates three wind farms and 18 hydroelectric power stations, with a combined capacity of 94.7MW.
History
The company was formed as Central Electric in 1993 after the Energy Companies Act 1992 required the Otago Central Electric Power Board to reform into a commercial power company. More reforms in 1998 required electricity companies nationally to split their lines and retail businesses; Central Electric decided to retain the generation and retail assets, and rebranded as Pioneer Generation.
In 2012 the company acquired industrial heat generator Energy For Industry from Meridian Energy.
In 2015 it teamed up with Buller Electricity to take over electricity retailer Pulse Energy. The same year it formed the Southern Generation Partnership as a joint venture with The Power Company and Electricity Invercargill. In 2021 the partnership acquired three small North Island hydro-power stations. In May 2024 it acquired the remainder of the partnership. Southern Generation was rebranded as Pioneer Energy Renewables, with Buller Electricity taking a 24.2% stake.
Ownership The company was initially 100% owned by the Central Lakes Trust on behalf on electricity consumers in the Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes districts. The trust consists of three appointed and five elected trustees. Elections for the election positions are held every three years, with the most recent election being held in 2025.
In June 2025 the company entered an equity partnership with Māori-led Tōtara Energy to fund further expansion, reducing the trust's ownership to 70%.
Generation assets
Operational Name Type Location Capacity (MW) Annual generation (average GWh) Commissioned Aniwhenua Hydro Bay of Plenty 25 127 1980 Flat Hill Wind Bluff, Southland 6.8 2015 Fraser (Lower) Hydro Central Otago 2.8 1956 Fraser (Upper) Hydro Central Otago 8 2019 George Hydro Central Otago 1 1924 Horseshoe Bend Hydro Central Otago 4.3 1999 Horseshoe Bend Wind Central Otago 2.3 1.9 2009 Kowhai Hydro Central Otago 1.9 2010 Mangapehi Hydro Waikato 1.6 2008 Matawai Hydro Gisborne 2 2009 Matiri Hydro Lake Matiri, Buller 5 28 2020 Mt Stuart Wind Manuka Creek, South Otago 7.7 21 2012 Oxburn/Glenorchy Hydro Queenstown-Lakes 0.4 1968 Roaring Meg Hydro Cromwell, Central Otago 4.3 30 1936 Speedy's Road Hydro Waikato 7.7 2011 Teviot Bridge Hydro Roxburgh, Central Otago 1.1 1972
Proposed / under construction Name Type Location Projected capacity (MW) Status Jericho Wind Blackmount, Southland 35 Proposed Kaihiku Wind Gore, Southland 300 Proposed
Subsidiaries Pioneer Energy Renewable (75.8%) Pulse Energy Ecogas
References
External links