Wellington businesses get financial boost to save energy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 June 2011

Wellington businesses get financial boost to save energy

Wellington companies are being offered an added bonus of up to $1,000 to improve energy use, under a partnership between Government and Wellington City Council announced today.

Last month the Government launched its Energising Business programme to help Kiwi businesses cut energy costs. Under the scheme, delivered by EECA, companies may be eligible for up to $30,000 (or a third of the project cost) to help them identify and put in place energy-saving measures.

In Wellington, the City Council is offering a further $1,000 per company – or 17% of the project cost – to encourage businesses to get on board.

“Throughout New Zealand there’s an estimated $2 billion in business energy savings that could be unlocked,” said Acting Minister of Energy and Resources Hekia Parata. “That’s a lot of money going to waste that companies could put to better use, developing new products or expanding markets.”

EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill said the whole region could potentially benefit from a more energy efficient business sector. “It’s great that Wellington City Council recognises the benefits of improving energy use, and that it’s incentivising businesses to take action. Energy savings go straight to the bottom line, making companies more robust, productive and competitive – which is good for the region, and for the country.”

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said she expected the assistance would encourage more local businesses to look at ways to reduce energy use and bills, aligning economic and environmental outcomes.

“Many local businesses are already working to reduce emissions and costs. This will be the incentive others need to take the plunge and start making some changes,” she said. “Partnerships are essential for Wellington if we are to achieve our ambitious climate change goals.”

Nine service providers throughout New Zealand have been contracted to deliver energy-saving expertise under Energising Business, targeting a range of company sizes and sectors. Four of these operate in Wellington.

The Government is investing $1.46 million in the programme, which is expected to deliver nearly $2 million in energy savings to businesses each year. Around 180 companies nationwide are expected to benefit.

Companies wanting to take advantage of the programme should visit the EECA Business website to find a provider active in their area, www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/energising-business

ENDS

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