The Electricity Networks Association (ENA) welcomes today’s Government announcement of $7.9 million funding to support
energy education in the community.
The announcement picks up the recommendation of the 2019 Electricity Price Review to support a network of
community-level support services to help consumers in energy hardship.
ENA had strongly endorsed this proposal in its submission to the price review, ENA chief executive, Graeme Peters, said.
“Together with the range of recommendations the Government is taking up aimed at those in energy hardship, we believe
this initiative will provide a real boost to agencies helping consumers optimize their purchase and use of electricity.”
Under the initiative, the Government is offering funding that can be accessed by the nationwide network of organisations
that deliver electricity-specific support services to those in energy hardship. Many of these rely on charitable
donations at present.
The ENA is pleased that effective support will be provided for agencies who already have established track records in
the community such as the Sustainability Trust in Wellington, The Southland Warm Homes Trust, Energy Mate and similar
initiatives throughout the country.
“These organisations have been making valuable contributions to those in energy hardship in the community in terms of
energy conservation advice and ensuring consumers are on the best electricity pricing plans,” Graeme Peters says.