ERANZ agrees – improving NZ homes is key to being able to lock in the warmth

“We lose twice the amount of heat from our houses compared to the UK and Europe", says NZGBC, CE, Andrew Eagles.

ERANZ, CE, Jenny Cameron agrees that heat loss is a key issue that needs addressing.

"Getting our homes up to a better standard will allow New Zealanders to get more value and enjoyment out of the electricity they purchase, says Ms Cameron.

“Many New Zealand homes are sorely lacking when it comes to being energy efficient. Homes need to be kept warm in winter for families to be healthy. If they are draughty and damp they are much harder to keep warm.

“This is an area we must address and we wholly support NZGBC’s views that we should first look to improve the way our houses are built. We also applaud ANZ for offering an interest free loan to help make this possible for more New Zealanders.

" Many families have two hard choices in such circumstances – to use more electricity than they ideally need to to counter the loss of heat or live in temperatures below World Health Organisation recommended minimum indoor temperature of 18°C, and ideally 21°C if babies or elderly people live in the house, says Ms Cameron

New Zealand has the sixth highest household consumption of electricity out of 32 OECD countries. There are two parts to why:

- because our homes aren’t energy efficient and we have to use more electricity to heat draughty and damp homes;

- because we use electricity more than other countries for space and water heating. Other countries use coal, gas and diesel as well. Using electricity is a very sustainable and efficient option for New Zealand homes because our electricity sector is 85% renewable.

“We will be working with Electricity Authority, EECA and ConsumerNZ to support New Zealanders to be more informed so they can make smart choices when it comes to how they use electricity, and we are also open to working with others in the housing sector to consider ways to address this fundamental issue, says Ms Cameron.

ENDS

About ERANZ

The Electricity Retailers Association of New Zealand was established in August 2015 to represent the electricity retail industry on important sector-wide issues such as delivering value to stakeholders and consumers, and supporting the continued development of an open, competitive, sustainable and effective electricity market for the benefit of New Zealanders.

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