Household energy initiatives must be replaced by something better

D.E.U.N (Domestic Energy Users’ Network) is very concerned at the list
of items on Government’s chopping block, in particular the loss of the
Household Fund which would have mitigated some of the pressure on
low-income purses for warming cold homes in winter.

Molly Melhuish, analyst for DEUN said today “Government’s replacement
proposals for household energy must lead to improved outcomes for New
Zealand’s most vulnerable consumers. This will require real funding,
whether or not that comes from windfall electricity profits,”

Energy efficiency in houses is essential not only to reduce power bills
but to improve health outcomes. New documented evidence proves the
appalling effect on health of cold, damp or ill-ventilated homes on the
young, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.”

Mrs Melhuish said that the household sustainability programme axed by
the Ministry of the Environment could have helped many of those in New
Zealand least able to help themselves.

DEUN recognises that in the current straitened financial circumstances,
Government will have to make some cuts.

“Any replacement programmes must combine affordability, improved health
outcomes, and environmental sustainability”, Mrs Melhuish said.

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