31 October 2012

Warm Greater Wellington scheme hits $10 million mark

Over ten million dollars of support for home insulation and clean heating has been provided to homes in the Wellington region through the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Warm Greater Wellington scheme. More than 5,700 households in the Wellington region are now warmer, healthier and will cost less to heat, thanks to the scheme.

The Warm Greater Wellington scheme offers the region’s ratepayers up to $2,600 as a top up for support offered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) through its Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme. This money is repaid through a targeted rate against the property over the following nine years.

Last month EECA announced that further government funding will be focussed on insulation, which has the biggest benefit for homeowners. The Regional Council’s scheme will follow this approach.

The Warm Greater Wellington scheme has a cap of $6 million per year and financial support of $10,067,983 has been approved since the scheme began on 6 April 2010.

Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde says that $10 million of financial support is a major milestone, and she urges householders across the region to use it.

“I encourage householders to take full advantage of this scheme and get insulation installed during these summer months – come winter, you’ll be pleased to have it.

“The benefits of modern insulation are immense, including a warm and dry home, reduced heating costs, health benefits and added value to properties,” says Fran Wilde.

$1.7 million of funding has been provided through the Warm Greater Wellington scheme since July, meaning a further $4.2 million is available this financial year.

Those wanting to find more information about the scheme can visit www.gw.govt.nz/warmer-gw or call 0800 496 734 during business hours.

Number of completed installations by territorial authority (TA):

Carterton District: 100
Masterton District: 327
South Wairarapa District: 90
Upper Hutt City: 878
Hutt City: 1870
Wellington City: 1411
Porirua City: 592
Kapiti Coast District: 512
Total: 5780

ENDS

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