ARC calls on Aucklanders to help save energy

11 June 2008

Auckland Regional Council chairman Michael Lee is calling on Aucklanders to do their bit for the national energy saving campaign.

“Aucklanders have an important part to play in helping to cut energy use,” he says.

“The average electricity bill for a family of four in the Auckland region is about $1,900 a year.”

People can save money and energy through a few simple measures:

- Save $100 a year by switching appliances off at the wall.

- Only heat the room you are in and keep the door closed.

- Save $50 a year by using your washing machine fully loaded and on cold washes.

- Save $50 a year by drying clothes on a clothesline instead of a dryer.

- Save over $100 a year by wrapping your hot water cylinder.

To find out how you can make electricity savings by using the Energy Wise calculator at www.energywise.org.nz/calculator/
The ARC will be doing its bit to help out. Staff are working on a programme that will:

- Turn off all office lights from 8.30pm to 6.30am and provide desk lights for any staff working after hours
- Turn off hot water cylinders in kitchen areas from 8.30pm to 6.30am.
- Computer and photocopier power off initiatives.
- Look into daytime cleaning services, instead of at night.

The ARC is also developing a Regional Energy Strategy to set a clear direction for regional energy sustainability, co-ordinate local energy efficiency initiatives and help information sharing between the energy industry and councils.

“New Zealand lags behind many countries in energy conservation. For example Japan uses the same amount of energy today as it used in the 1960s.”

“We need to focus on a lot more energy conservation,” Michael Lee says.

“We need to become smarter in using the energy resources we have.”

Government funding is available for homeowners and landlords to help get homes insulated.

- Homeowners who are eligible for a community services card, and whose properties were built before 1978 and have insufficient insulation.

- Landlords with low-income tenants who are eligible for a community services card, and whose properties were built prior to 1978 and have insufficient insulation.

- Middle-income homeowners and landlords (homeowners need to be earning under $100,000 before tax a year (up to two earners) or under $140,000 a year (three or more earners)) whose properties were built prior to 1978.

- Homeowners who install a solar water heating system (must be a packaged system from an approved supplier). To find out more visit www.energywise.govt.nz/funding-available/index.html or call 0800 358 676.

ENDS

© Scoop Media