Highbank Power Scheme

Location
Rakaia River
Canterbury

Commissioned
1939 – 1945 for Highbank Station,
1982 Montalto Station

Max Capacity
26.5 MW

Annual Output
98 GWh

The Highbank Power Scheme consists of the Highbank and Montalto power stations. In summer, priority is given to using the stored water in the scheme for irrigation rather than power generation. 

A barrier at the end of the tailrace and a purpose built channel allow migrating salmon to access a main braid of the Rakaia River.