1,500 Chch homes become more energy efficient

Meridian Energy helps over 1,500 Christchurch homes become more energy efficient

Meridian Energy, in a joint initiative with Community Energy Action and EnergySmart, has installed 5,500 energy savings products into over 1,500 low-income Christchurch households over the past six weeks to help mitigate the financial toll and negative health effects caused by cold, damp homes.

Since 9 June, Meridian Energy’s Energy Saver Van teams have installed energy savings products, including 423 hot water cylinder wraps, 801 metres of hot water pipe lagging, 3,067 energy saving lights, 1,212 door draught excluders and 8 water saving showerheads, to low income Christchurch households. The initiative was developed to help those in greatest need in the community to have a more energy efficient home while reducing their power bills as the winter cold sets in.

Many New Zealand homes have poor energy efficiency, which results in high costs to heat them properly, and negative health effects for those who cannot afford to do so. As reported recently in an OECD study into housing and health, there is a strong link between New Zealand’s cold, damp homes and illness.

“We’re pleased to have been able to provide this service to customers in Christchurch, and thrilled that it has been so popular. Our Energy Saver Van teams knocked on over 3,800 doors during the six weeks, and made energy savings installations in over 1,500 homes. We’ve received lots of great feedback from the householders visited on the benefits of simple

installations to make a difference to their energy efficiency,” said Meridian Energy spokesman Alan Seay.

Community Energy Action Manager Jennifer Small said the van visits were a practical approach to helping families reduce energy consumption and save money, as well as staying healthy. “This initiative has helped low-income households in Christchurch to make their homes warmer, drier and more energy efficient,” she said.

Although the Energy Saver Vans finished their work in Christchurch on Friday, Meridian Energy encourages everyone to undertake simple energy audits of their home or business. Meridian’s energy savings brochures provide tips for helping New Zealanders to be more energy efficient.

“Through simple installations like door draught excluders and hot water cylinder wraps or fixing a leaky tap, people can make energy savings while keeping warm and healthy,” says Mr Seay.

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