Warm Dunedin Programme Continues

Dunedin (Thursday, 31 October 2013) – The Warm Dunedin targeted rate programme will start again tomorrow.

The pilot programme helps increase household warmth, health and comfort by providing a rates advance to help with the upfront costs of installing insulation and/or clean heating.

The Dunedin City Council has agreed to continue the programme after making changes to accommodate alterations made to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Energywise insulation subsidies.

Dunedin City Council Warm Dunedin Co-ordinator Nathan Keen says the Warm Dunedin programme is available to those who are not eligible for the EECA subsidies. Ratepayers who meet the Warm Dunedin criteria will be able to apply to the DCC for up to $5,000 towards insulation and/or heating, which will be paid off over 10 years using a targeted rate.

The programme is scheduled to finish on 30 June 2014, however it is estimated allocated funding for the programme could run out as early as April 2014. When funding runs out, the programme will stop. To ensure a place in the programme, homeowners are encouraged to make an early application.

Mr Keen says, “Since February 2013, the Warm Dunedin programme has provided an avenue for 457 Dunedin residents to significantly improve the living standards of their homes.”

It is estimated 250-300 additional Dunedin homes can be included in the pilot programme.

Due to the EECA Energywise insulation subsidy changes, the Warm Dunedin targeted rate programme is now run separately to the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme. The Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme targets low-income households for home insulation, particularly those families with children and high health needs.

More information on the Warm Dunedin programme is available at www.dunedin.govt.nz/warmdunedin or phone 477 4000.

ENDS

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