18 June 2009

Media Statement

Community Energy Action Charitable Trust (CEA) has been overwhelmed by the interest in the subsidies for insulation and heating announced by the government last month and launched today. CEA is one of the organisations approved by the government to deliver the insulation and heating subsidy programme and was complimented at today’s launch for its role in initiating and delivering home energy efficiency projects in Canterbury.

“Even before the programme starts on 1 July, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing here,” says Bede Martin, Chief Executive of CEA. “We have 600 people on our list to have their homes assessed. With the extra staff we have employed recently, we will do our best to meet the demand as quickly as we can, although it may take some time to completely clear the backlog.

People know that we use our surpluses to install insulation in the homes of very needy people who cannot afford insulation and heating and that’s why many prefer to come to us. We do our very best and are asking people’s patience but it may be into spring before we have cleared our waiting list.”

“While we are delighted with the new scheme, we are still concerned about those who cannot pay for insulation and heating even with the generous subsidies. The cost, even with a subsidy, can still be too much for those on low incomes. We try to help these people as best we can with our special projects.”

People seeking information on the amount of insulation needed to keep them affordably warm and a rough indication of what heater size they will need, can check CEA’s website (www.cea.co.nz). “CEA is a charitable trust and one of our goals is to provide impartial information so people can make informed decisions about how to keep warm,” says Mr Martin.

Community Energy Action is a charitable trust working on energy solutions that are good for people and the environment. The trust, which works in Canterbury north of the Rakaia, aims to relieve fuel poverty in the community. It provides free and impartial information about energy efficiency on its website, runs the Curtain Bank where recycled curtains are fitted in the homes of people on low-incomes, installs ceiling and underfloor insulation, sells DIY window insulation and other energy efficiency products and runs the Canterbury Home Energy Advice Service. Proceeds from its insulation installations and sales of energy efficiency products support their community projects.

ENDS

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