Kiwis can see the potential savings to be made

13 March 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

Kiwis can see the potential savings to be made

9 out of 10 New Zealanders who have purchased an appliance in the last 12 months said that they had recognised the energy rating label on appliances and nearly a quarter of those said the labels had a strong influence on the model they bought. These are the results of an annual survey conducted by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) of 750 New Zealanders aged 18 years and over .

The red and yellow energy rating labels are designed to help consumers make an informed choice when buying new appliances. They
feature a star rating which shows how energy efficient the appliance is – the more stars (up to 6), the more energy efficient.

The labels also have an energy consumption rating which shows how much energy the appliance typically uses per year. These ratings can be then compared against similar makes and models.

As an example of how the energy rating label can help consumers, when comparing two different energy rated fridge/freezers you can clearly see the potential savings to be made. A one and a half star rated fridge/freezer could have an energy cost of $193 per year, while a similar four and a half star rated fridge/freezer could cost $74 per year to run. This is a yearly saving of $119 and when compared to the average life of 15 years, this equates to savings of $1,785 at current power prices.

The survey found that nearly half of those who purchased appliances in the previous 12 months pointed to the energy rating label as influencing their decision to buy a particular model. Recognition of the label has also increased 7% from the same time in 2005 to a new high of 75% recognition from all respondents.

Angus Davidson, EECA Chief Executive says ‘New Zealanders are increasingly looking for ways to do their bit for the environment and make the right choices when buying appliances for their homes or workplaces. The star rating label helps them do this easily, and by saving energy they are saving money too.’

More and more New Zealanders are starting to recognise the significance of energy rating labels and are consequently considering energy efficiency when they buy an appliance.

Visit www.eeca.govt.nz for more information on the energy rating labels scheme.
See over for further information.

Contact Paul Halford, Marketing and Communications Advisor, EECA, 04 495 8255 or 021 941 140.

ENERGY RATING LABELS - RECOGNITION

Have you seen the red and yellow energy rating label displayed on these appliances?

/ December 2003 % / December 2004 % / / December 2005 % / December 2006 %
Yes / 60 / 70 / / 70 / 75
No / 39 / 30 / / 29 / 25
Unsure / 1 / - / / 1 / -
TOTAL / 100 / 100 / / 100 / 100

Have you seen the red and yellow energy rating label displayed on these appliances?

/ Purchased an appliance / / Not purchased an appliance
Yes / 90 / / 69
No / 9 / / 31
Unsure / 1 / / -
TOTAL / 100 / / 100

What the star rating shows you
Costs are based on 19 cents per kilowatt hour for a two door fridge freezer (426 litre, one and a half star compared to 431 litre, four and a half star). Savings are compiled from the Fridge freezer EECA database.

ENDS

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