Minister Opens Canterbury Home Energy Advice Centre

The Minister of Energy and Resources Gerry Brownlee officially opened the Canterbury Home Energy Advice Centre last week. The Advice Centre is an exciting new service delivered by a Christchurch-based charitable trust, Community Energy Action (CEA). The launch of the service was attended by a number of local MPs as well as representatives from the Ministry for the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Housing New Zealand, Work and Income, MainPower and numerous social service groups.

The Canterbury Home Energy Advice Centre offers free, impartial advice on energy use in the home via an 0800 free phone line. The Canterbury service joins trained advisors based in Wellington and Auckland in providing advice on making homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. The free phone service is available to everyone in Canterbury north of the Rakaia River. People can speak directly to a trained advisor by calling 0800 388 588.

“It’s important that the public can access trustworthy, impartial advice about how to save on energy costs, and where to go to get help,” Mr Brownlee said, as he opened the Home Energy Advice Centre in Christchurch.

“The local knowledge that this service provides will enable households to access good information about simple things they can do themselves to improve energy usage, and the range of services in the Canterbury region that can help them.”

Mr Brownlee said that one of the most important things a family can do to improve their wellbeing is insulate their home.

“Too many New Zealanders live in cold, damp houses and that’s certainly also true in the Christchurch area.

“I am confident that people in this region will take the opportunity to use this resource to get the best information on how to improve the comfort of their homes.”

“This service is badly needed.” says Bede Martin chief executive of CEA. “People need help understanding their power bill, which electricity plan they should be on, or why they are using so much electricity. The opportunity to speak over the phone with a trained, independent advisor about their personal situation is a key to making the best possible decisions.”

“We have already received a number of calls from people wanting to know how they can make their homes warmer” says HEAC advisor Adam Reid. “ Most callers want information on heating and insulation options. Many are unaware or confused about whether they qualify for financial assistance.”

The free phone number is 0800 388 588

The centre operates Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm. Canterbury residents can contact the HEAC by

1. calling 0800 388 588
2. emailing canterbury@energyadvice.org.nz
3. visiting the Home Energy Advice Centre website www.energyadvice.org.nz

ENDS

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