$1 million to Plunket if Target 10% reached

Meridian Energy to donate $1 million to Plunket if Target 10% reached*

Meridian Energy has launched a new energy savings scheme encouraging the country to save power while helping Plunket at the same time.

“Meridian Energy will donate $1 million to Plunket if New Zealand reaches Target 10%,” Meridian Energy Chief Executive Dr Keith Turner said today.

“This energy savings scheme is a positive way of helping New Zealand children while also helping the country get through winter without serious power shortages.

“We appreciate the steps people are making to save power this winter, and we want to do what we can to assist and encourage everyone to save more. I’ve no doubt that New Zealanders will make their best efforts to reach Target 10%, knowing that Plunket will benefit by one million dollars if we all succeed,” Dr Turner said.

Plunket Chief Executive Mr Paul Baigent welcomed the Meridian Energy initiative.

“A donation of one million dollars would be a tremendous boost for Plunket’s work in giving families a good start in life. We appreciate the ongoing support Meridian Energy has given Plunket as one of our family of sponsors, and this new initiative will make a great difference for us,” Mr Baigent said.

“Plunket is working alongside Meridian Energy to support Target 10% because it is important for everyone that power shortages are avoided. There is a lot that families can do to save on their energy use while still keeping themselves safe and warm. I encourage everyone to save at least 10 percent power, help New Zealand and help Plunket.”

Dr Turner said there were several simple steps people could take to meet the power savings target.

“Over the last few months Meridian Energy has passed on power saving advice to our customers, and people can find the latest tips on our website. By following these tips people can make energy savings without compromising their own safety and comfort.”

Meridian Energy’s rewards scheme also gives customers another reason to save energy.

“Over the savings period, our top 10,000 eligible energy savers who cut back at least 10 percent of their energy usage will get a $100 credit on their pre-Christmas power bill, with the option of donating the credit to one of ten charities. This rewards scheme gives recognition to our best power saving customers and also gives a hand to charities that help New Zealanders,” Dr Turner said.

The rewards savings scheme is one of several Meridian Energy initiatives to support Target 10%, including energy savings brochures for residential, business and corporate customers and energy saving product offers. Special terms and conditions apply to the scheme.

Further energy savings initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.

*Note: The 10% savings target is based on the cumulative national savings figure as measured by the Winter Power Taskforce from 1 June - 31 August 2003.