Smaller transport operators get fuel efficiency boost

Companies running heavy vehicle fleets may get up to $30,000 to improve fuel efficiency, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority announced today.

Under EECA’s Energising Business programme, small to medium businesses with an energy spend of up to $300,000 per site per year may qualify for funding to improve energy efficiency, where it is cost effective.

Two specialist fuel efficiency providers have been contracted to extend the programme to the transport sector. EECA will contribute 33% (up to a maximum of $30,000) towards the cost of auditing and improving fuel efficiency for qualifying companies.

* CCS Innovation in Logistics – provides fleet energy audits and solutions focused on using GPS and fleet management data, as the basis for feedback and coaching to improve fuel efficiency through driver behaviour change and work planning.

* TR Group – offers a fuel saver programme comprising GPS and telematic technology, with monitoring, reporting and management training. TR Group offers SAFEDNZ instructor and driver training, a programme developed by the Ministry of Transport to improve road safety and reduce fuel use.

“Transport fuel is a major overhead for many businesses – and prices at the pump are getting steeper. Reducing fuel use through common sense measures like driver training, maintenance and route planning can make a real impact on profitability. It also contributes to a low carbon economy, reducing our national dependence on fossil fuels,” said EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.

Fuel efficiency measures also help to improve road safety and reduce maintenance costs, he said.

Companies interested in taking part should contact a service provider directly. For more on Energising Business, including a full list of participating providers, see www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/energising-business

Note to Editors:

The Government launched Energising Business in May 2011. Twelve service providers throughout New Zealand are now contracted to deliver energy-saving expertise to small and medium sized companies. To qualify for EECA funding, efficiency improvements must have a simple payback of between 18 months and three years. The Government is investing $1.46 million in the programme, which is expected to deliver nearly $2 million in savings to participating businesses each year.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is the Crown agency that encourages, supports, and promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy in New Zealand. EECA provides information to households through ENERGYWISETM www.energywise.govt.nz and to businesses through EECA BUSINESSTM www.eecabusiness.govt.nz

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