The Twizel and Tekapo volunteer fire brigades fired up two new emergency back-up generators for the first time this week, funded by Waitaki Valley electricity generator Meridian Energy Ltd.
The New Zealand Fire Service held a ceremony at the Lake Tekapo Volunteer Fire Brigade headquarters to celebrate the receipt of the emergency generators.
Earlier this year, Meridian's Waitaki Community Fund granted $20,000 to contribute to the provision of two back-up power generators for the Twizel and Tekapo volunteer fire brigades.
The fire service area commander for South Canterbury, Paul Henderson, said the generators would allow the two brigades to continue operating during power outages and other emergencies, such as the heavy snowfall during the winter of 2006.
"Volunteer fire stations become a focal point for the local community in times of real emergency and it is vital that their operational availability is maintained throughout any eventuality," Mr Henderson said.
The 230-volt generators provide back-up power in an emergency.
Both stations also operate co-response ambulance services.
Meridian's strategic relations adviser and chairman of the community fund, Mark France, said the Twizel and Tekapo brigades provided a vital service to their communities.
"It is crucial they have the equipment required to allow them to operate effectively in times of crisis when the community is relying on them to provide the support they need," he said.
The community fund is to the value of $1 million over three years and is managed by a panel of residents and Meridian staff who decide on grants.
