New Government Insulation Programme

New Government Insulation Programme

Call For Community Partners

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is calling for applications from insulation companies and organisations that want to be part of the Government’s new targeted insulation programme Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes, announced in this month’s Budget.

EECA, which is launching the programme, will partner with insulation companies and community organisations to deliver 46,000 warmer, drier and healthier homes over three years to low-income households at high health risk.

EECA says the Government will fund up to 60 percent of the cost of insulation through projects in some low-income communities, with organisations, such as community trusts and councils, topping up the subsidies.

Chief Executive Mike Underhill says it’s important insulation is installed at no cost to low-income households at high health risk in the communities where there are projects.

“We know there are households where people cannot afford to insulate. These projects are about removing the cost barriers for the people who will benefit the most.”

High health risk includes children, the elderly and people at risk of cold-related illness, Mr Underhill says.

He says EECA is calling for Requests for Proposals from interested service providers that can secure additional funding from community organisations. Details have been posted on the GETS website (www.gets.govt.nz), with applications due in by 21 June 2013.  Mr Underhill says this is the first of two Requests for Proposal that will be issued this year, with another round scheduled for later this year.  He expects there will be strong interest from community organisations wanting to work with insulation companies to fund insulation.

“Many councils, trusts, DHBs and iwi around the country are already funding insulation because they understand the benefits are significant – for individuals, as well as the community.”

In the meantime EECA says grants for insulation will continue to be available through the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme. Grants will be available until they run out – that’s expected to be about September, Mr Underhill says.

ENDS

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