11 February 2011

Over 1000 households in the Wellington region are now warmer, healthier and will cost less to heat thanks to the Warm Greater Wellington scheme, introduced in April last year.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde, and Lower Hutt regional councillors Prue Lamason and Peter Glensor, visited the home of Andres and Myrene Pimentel, in Waterloo, Lower Hutt, which had the honour of being the 1000th home to receive financial assistance under the scheme.

The Warm Greater Wellington scheme offers the region’s ratepayers up to $2,600 as a top up for support offered by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) for home insulation and clean heating. This money is repaid through a targeted rate against the property over the following nine years.

border="0">
Click for big version

The Pimentels, who have two teenagers, likened the house to “a fridge” in the past, before they started making minor changes – including installing a dehumidifier. Installation of adequate insulation was always on the agenda so when they heard about the Warm Greater Wellington scheme, they decided to take advantage of the offer.

“It has been such a good thing for us,” says Myrene. “It is one of those things that we had been talking about for a long time so when the opportunity came up, we just did it.”

The Pimentels had ceiling and under-floor insulation installed throughout the house by Firewool Ltd of Lower Hutt.

“The whole process was fantastic and I have noticed the difference already in terms of heating costs,” says Myrene Pimentel.

Click for big version

Chair Wilde says that 1000 homes receiving financial support through the scheme is something of a milestone, especially since the scheme has only been running since April 2010, and she urges other householders to use it.

“The benefits of modern insulation and clean heating appliances are immense, including a warm and dry home, reduced heating costs, health benefits and added value to properties – and in addtion by having a heat-efficient home you’re helping to reduce air pollution.”

The scheme has a cap of $3 million per year and financial support of $2,244,335 has been approved since the scheme began on 6 April 2010.

Those wanting to find more information about the scheme can visit the Greater Wellington website www.gw.govt.nz/warmer-gw or call 0800 496 734 during business hours.

TA name Number of applications approved GW $ approved
Carterton District Council 16 $32,982.04
Hutt City Council 472 $988,516.77
Kapiti Coast District Council 68 $137,472.54
Masterton District Council 49 $101,751.52
Porirua City Council 90 $196,681.02
South Wairarapa District Council 16 $32,122.43
Upper Hutt City Council 149 $319,330.78
Wellington City Council 210 $435,477.57
TOTALS 1070 $2,244,334.67

ENDS

© Scoop Media