End of Daylight Saving Brings Higher Energy Bills

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Wednesday, April 08, 2009

End of Daylight Saving Brings Higher Energy Bills

The end of daylight savings marks the beginning of increased winter energy demand with one extra dark and cold hour at the end of the day. With shorter daylight hours and colder weather on the way, now is a good time to remind people about the help on offer from the Wellington Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC) to manage their energy use. That’s the message from Wellington HEAC Project Manager Phil Squire.

“Winter brings colder weather and higher energy bills as people try to stay warm. Our service offers free, impartial, expert advice on all aspects of home energy use, including advice on insulation, heating, condensation, appliances and energy plans. Expert advice on how to get the most from your energy dollar will be especially important this winter as New Zealanders grapple with the effects of the recession.”

The Wellington HEAC was launched in March 2007 and the service currently receives funding from the Ministry for the Environment, and Wellington City Council. Similar services have recently been launched in Auckland and Christchurch.

“This is a unique service which people should make the most of. Residents in the lower North Island can call a freephone number and speak to an advisor who will provide advice specific to the individuals’ situation. Small changes can often make a big difference to making your home more comfortable and reducing energy bills. We can also offer impartial advice on making bigger decisions like investing in heating or insulation and direct people towards government assistance where applicable.”

People can contact the Wellington HEAC by calling 0800 388 588 or through our website www.energyadvice.org.nz.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
• The Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC) is a not-for-profit, independent, and impartial advice service for all New Zealanders. The service is managed by the Energy Efficiency Community Network (EECN www.eecn.org.nz ) and delivered by non-profit community organisations around New Zealand.

• Our mission is to provide timely, appropriate, accurate and impartial energy efficiency advice offering practical solutions to help our customers reduce their energy bills and improve well-being.

• The HEAC service has no commercial affiliation and is funded by central and local government, and other community organisations.

• The Wellington HEAC was launched in March 2008 as the first independent, impartial energy advice centre in the HEAC network. The Wellington HEAC is operated by Sustainability Trust, a local not-for-profit community trust working in energy efficiency, waste reduction, transport, urban gardening, and behaviour change.

• The Freephone Advice Line (0800 388 588) is available to householders in the following areas: Wellington City, Hutt City, Porirua City, Wairarapa, Kapiti, Tararua, Horowhenua and Palmerston North.
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