EECA applauds Greater Wellington making insulating even easier

Greater Wellington Regional Council's move to let people pay for insulation through their rates bill will make it easier for more Wellingtonians to make their homes warmer, healthier and easier to heat, says the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

The Council today voted to introduce a scheme which will allow Greater Wellington residents to top-up their Government insulation or heating grant through their rates, giving people the flexibility to pay back the cost over time.

"This is a fantastic initiative that gives people another way to access our Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart grants," said EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.

"Good on Greater Wellington Regional Council. They have done a lot of great work to develop a simple initiative that can be readily rolled out to other councils across the country."

Three other councils are currently offering the opportunity to pay off the insulation through rates - Hawkes Bay Regional Council, Environment Canterbury and Nelson City Council.

EECA is working to get more councils throughout the country to adopt this innovative scheme.

The Government's Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme offers grants towards the cost of insulation and heating for all New Zealand homes built before 2000.

For more information visit www.energywise.govt.nz

ENDS