ECan Expands Clean Heat Project to Rangiora and Kaiapoi

Environment Canterbury (ECan) is expanding its Clean Heat Project to Rangiora and Kaiapoi beginning this week. 

ECan began assistance for clean heating in homes in Christchurch in 2003 as part of its air quality programme to ensure the region’s emission levels meet the National Environmental Standards by 2013.

Under the project, home owners with an open fire or solid fuel burner that is being used as the main form of heating in their living area may be eligible for an interest free loan for an approved clean heat appliance and home insulation. The interest free loan will be paid back over 10 years with payments being made through rates billing.  However, ECan is advising that lending conditions will apply.    

"These initiatives have been part of joint working party considerations with the Waimakariri District Council and through the Annual Plan process”, says ECan chair air portfolio Jo Kane. “These are local solutions to local problems. They are supported by the gains to be made in achieving health targets that takes into account affordability and community choices in how to address a key outcome in clean air”. 

”Residents of Rangiora and Kaiapoi should check their eligibility in gaining access to the Clean Heat Project for their town and this will help their local community reduce air pollution and make it a healthier place for everyone to live.  Clean air and home insulation will help us achieve the healthy air national target for 2013,” she says.  

Emissions from home heating contribute 80 percent or more of winter air pollution in many towns and cities.  When air pollutants are not dispersed by wind this can create breathing difficulties and increase asthmatic symptoms.  Children, the elderly or those with respiratory problems are most at risk.

The Waimakariri District Council has endorsed the project and supports the work that ECan is doing to ensure that this scheme takes maximum advantage of the assistance being made available by Central Government to help with the cost of switching to clean heat.

Anyone who wants to check their eligibility through a Clean Heat Project assessment or wants to get further information should phone 0800 EC WARM (0800 32 9276). Information is also available on the website – www.cleanheat.co.nz

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