50,000 Businesses To Be Better Off

Media Release from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)

Monday 11 August 2003

50,000 businesses to be better off

More than 50,000 businesses are being given the opportunity to be 'better off' and save thousands of dollars a year by cutting back on wasted electricity use.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has launched the Better Off campaign to build on the awareness created by the Target 10% campaign and encourage workplaces to keep up some simple habits to avoid wasting electricity.

EECA Chief Executive Heather Staley says energy is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week issue. "Electricity is an intangible resource which makes waste hard to see. New Zealanders wouldn't leave a petrol pump to pour petrol on the ground after they've filled up their car, yet lights, computers, machinery and equipment are left on to devour electricity at the end of the day and over the weekend when not in use.

"The easiest way to avoid shortages, higher electricity prices, and to save money, is to only use the electricity we actually need. New Zealand's demand for electricity increases by the size of the Taranaki region every year and we simply can't sustain that level of growth and continue to enjoy relatively cheap electricity," Ms Staley said.

The Better Off campaign uses billboards and press advertising in Auckland and Wellington during August and September with the focus being on a direct marketing campaign to 50,000 businesses.

"Better off is a positive message - almost every home and business can save electricity, and save money in the process. Most electrical appliances are 'better off' at the wall when not in use and homes, businesses, and New Zealand Inc, will be better off as a result of this simple measure.

"Electricity retailers Genesis and Contact Energy and lines company Vector have helped send out 50,000 Better Off business packs, which include posters and stickers, in Auckland and Wellington. The campaign wouldn't have been possible without their support. It's fantastic that Genesis, Contact Energy and Vector are working with EECA to help their customers be better off," Ms Staley said.

Ms Staley says EECA is working to improve energy choices. Better off business packs and additional copies of posters and stickers are available free of charge at www.energywise.org.nz

ENDS

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