Media release
August 15, 2011

Warm your home with Council’s help

The ‘once in a lifetime’ snowfall hitting Wellington is a timely reminder of the need for households to have effective home insulation and clean, efficient heating, said Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

The Wellington City Council supports a range of schemes to help homes achieve this, especially low-income households.

“The polar blast has been exciting for most Wellingtonians but I hope that people return home to a house that is warm and dry,” said Mayor Wade-Brown.

“Wellington City Council has offered a range of schemes to help homeowners ensure that their home is as warm, dry and healthy as possible,” she said.

The Warm Up Wellington scheme aims to help around 90 low-income households each year to insulate their homes. It is available to households with Community Service Cards and priority is given to homes with high health needs. Wellington City Council and EECA have partnered for this scheme.

The Home Energy Saver Programme helps Wellington households to assess energy efficiency in their homes and take practical action. It offers a free initial assessment and a tailored ‘action plan’ from Council-appointed contractors Home&dry.

Households are eligible for up to 50 per cent off the costs of energy-efficient solutions, up to a value of $115, such as low-flow showerheads, energy-efficient light-bulbs, hot water cylinder insulation and draught stoppers.

“We have brought in these initiatives because we need our homes to be warm, dry and comfortable – without big power bills,” said Mayor Wade-Brown.

“There are a number of other schemes available and I urge residents to find out more information on Council’s website,” she said. The information is available at:
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/environment/sustain/homes/grants.html

Mayor Wade-Brown added that the Newtown Curtain Bank is available for low income households to hang thermally-lined curtains. “There are also some simple things everyone can do, such as drawing curtains before dark, checking window seals for draughts, closing internal doors and using draught-stoppers at the bottom of doors,” she said.

ENDS

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