14 July 2004
Meridian Energy helps to keep Christchurch babies warm
“Meridian is providing practical help to a number of families with small children, through the targeted activities of
the Warm Babies programme run by Commuity Energy Action,” says Meridian Energy spokesman Alan Seay.
“We have been delighted to hear some of the success stories coming from the Warm Babies programme.” The Warm Babies
programme, now in its fourth year, has installed insulation measures in around 70 Christchurch homes, benefiting in
total around 250 people. The families are referred to Community Energy Action through a network of social agencies.
Keryn Reynolds, a mother of two living in Sandilands, says her house is much warmer this winter following the
installation of energy efficiency measures as part of the Warm Babies programme. This included ceiling and underfloor
insulation, replacement curtains and lining, as well as draught strips.
“My children also seem to have had fewer colds this year,” says Keryn Reynolds.
Amanda John, also a mother of two, was part of the Warm Babies programme last year. Then pregnant with her second child,
Mrs John and her husband had identified that they had a problem keeping the heat in. A visit to her local Plunket
resulted in the Johns being referred to the Warm Babies programme.
“We had already begun to make the house more energy efficient by installing a gas fire and by putting draught strips
around the windows, but we still weren’t keeping all the heat in,” explains Mrs John.
This winter, the Johns family is reaping the benefits of floor and ceiling insulation, draught strips, as well as the
hot water cylinder wrap installed by the Warm Babies programme.
“The difference is amazing. We are on a night rate for our electricity and we used to always run out of hot water. Now,
and I presume this is due to the hot water cylinder wrap, we have enough hot water to get through the day,” says Mrs
John.
The family’s electricity bills have also been reduced as a result of the installations. “Our bills used to always be
over $200 a month at this time of the year. This winter they haven’t risen over $130,” says a delighted Mrs John.
Mrs John is fully aware of the importance of keeping a home warm, especially where there are children living in the
house. Her three-year-old son suffers from asthma, and she has always tried to keep his bedroom warm by putting a heater
on. With the improvements that have been made by the Warm Babies programme, that heat is now staying in her son’s
bedroom.
Alan Seay is very pleased to hear how successful the Johns have found the work done by the Warm Babies programme. “At a
time when prices for electricity are on the rise, it is most important that people do what they can to keep in the
warmth. We are very committed to this project and to continuing to educate our customers on the benefits of energy
efficiency.”
“An energy efficient house is a healthy house. It is not simply the fact that these families are able to save money on
power. The greater benefit is that the home is warmer and drier, and families are able to stay healthier,” concludes
Alan Seay.
ENDS