Hot Water Association Looks Forward to Working With Government to Promote Heat Pump Water Heaters

The New Zealand Hot Water Association (NZHWA) is looking forward to working with the Government to advance New Zealand’s energy efficiency goals through continuing to increase the uptake of heat pump water heaters throughout the country.

NZHWA Chairman Steve Bullock has confirmed that, following the completion of the successful six-month pilot scheme to encourage energy-efficient water use through heat pumps, the association was engaging with officials to expand the scheme as part of Budget 2010.

“Installing a heat pump water heater can save the average kiwi household nearly $500 a year on electricity bills,” Mr Bullock explained. “That makes it the biggest single saving that kiwis can make on electricity costs by changing just one appliance.”

Mr Bullock added that the widespread uptake of heat pump water heaters would significantly reduce demand on New Zealand’s energy resources, benefiting the economy and the environment.

“What we’re proposing is a government grant to help cover purchase and installation of a heat pump water heating unit”, said Mr Bullock. “That means that kiwis at all income levels will have access to the benefits.”

The pilot scheme, which provided a $1000 grant to households, resulted in around 470 installations – more than double the number budgeted for.

“That demonstrates what an effective, efficient, and popular product the heat pump water heater is”, Mr Bullock concluded.

ENDS