19 August 2009

Media Statement

Cold Weather Causes Flurry For Subsidy Scheme

The cold winter means the phones haven’t stopped ringing at Christchurch-based charitable trust Community Energy Action (CEA) since the new government subsidy scheme for insulation and heating started on 1 July this year. One month into the new subsidy scheme for insulation and heating CEA has taken on five extra installers and four extra assessors to cope with the demand.

“The scheme is positive for many people,” says Bede Martin, CE of CEA. “It means a lot of homes of a lot of people are going to get warmer if not this winter than certainly before next winter. As an extra bonus we have been able to hire extra staff which for us as a charitable trust in this time of recession is a very positive side-effect.” CEA staff numbers have increased 90% since January.

CEA is a registered provider of the government subsidies and installs insulation in all eligible homes. It also provides extra funding for people in extreme hardship and especially helps elderly people, families with newborn babies and those with health conditions.

Community Energy Action is a charitable trust working on energy solutions that are good for people and the environment. The trust, which works in Canterbury north of the Rakaia, aims to relieve fuel poverty in the community. It provides free and impartial information about energy efficiency on its website, runs the Curtain Bank where recycled curtains are fitted in the homes of people on low-incomes, installs subsidised ceiling and under floor insulation, sells DIY window insulation and other energy efficiency products and runs the Canterbury Home Energy Advice Service free-phone. Surpluses support their community projects which help people on low incomes to keep warm.

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