31 March 2008

EECA Welcomes Wellington's New Energy Advice Line

Living in a cold, draughty, damp house can make your family unwell, cost you in health bills and time off work and school, and mean you're paying for power that just leaks out the cracks.

If you're dreading another winter at your place and not sure how to start to improve things, then a new free helpline can help you to take steps to have - and enjoy - a home that's warmer, drier and more energy efficient and to cut your power bills.

"We're pleased to welcome this 0800 service offering free, impartial, expert advice on home energy to Wellington consumers," says Mike Underhill, Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). "There are choices everyone can make to have an energy efficient home that's warmer, drier and healthier, costs less to run and has less impact on our environment.

"EECA encourages people to research the best energy options and actions for their home and this helpline focuses on solutions based on their household's specific situation and needs.

"Home heating, insulation and water heating systems all cost a fair amount of money, so making sure you get the best solution for your situation will mean you also get the maximum benefits from reduced power bills and a healthier living environment.

"The energy advice line will also highlight the simple, often low cost, things a household can do every day to save electricity and money. A typical family house spends about $1800 to $2000 a year on electricity. With just a few simple measures such as switching off towel rails, changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs and using timer switches on heaters, families could easily save 10% of that cost," said Mike Underhill.

The pilot helpline run by the Wellington community-based Sustainability Trust is free to residents in the Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kapiti Coast region. The service operates weekdays 10am-4pm.

The energy advice line number is 0800 388 588.

ENDS

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