Hutt Mana Energy Trust makes EnergyWise investment

Hutt Mana Energy Trust makes an EnergyWise investment

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has welcomed the decision by the Hutt Mana Energy Trust to keep some money aside to invest in community energy efficiency projects.

EECA Chief Executive Heather Staley says with a total fund of $20 million and an expected annual investment of around $1 million, the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust will be the single biggest funder of energy efficiency projects out of any trust in New Zealand.

"This is really exciting news for us. Some energy trusts have a strong commitment to energy efficiency and we are working hard to get more trusts on board to help fund projects in their community. The Hutt Mana trustees have set a very high example for others. The more funding partnerships we can establish, the easier it will be to reach the national target of a 20 percent improvement in energy efficiency by 2012.

"Most importantly, today's decision is fantastic news for Hutt Mana residents who will experience the benefits of improved energy efficiency in their community in the coming years," Ms Staley said.

Ms Staley says EECA is looking forward to working with the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust to develop a programme of energy efficiency projects for their community.

Energy trusts in other areas of New Zealand fund residential retrofit (insulation) projects for low income families, one also funds energy audits and efficiency improvements for schools and work with local small businesses is a possibility.

Hutt Mana Energy Trust has worked with EECA in the past - receiving a Highly Commended at last year's EnergyWise Awards for a previous residential retrofit project and they are already exploring a $300,000 residential project for this summer.

Ms Staley said EECA is improving energy choices. For more information on energy efficiency visit www.energywise.org.nz

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