31 May 2005
New product to help business save on energy costs
Small to Medium Enterprises will be able to save on energy costs with an innovative new product developed by government
in partnership with energy retailers, Energy Minister Trevor Mallard said today.
Trevor Mallard today launched Energy Challenger, an internet-based diagnostic programme designed to help business
identify and implement actions to reduce unnecessary energy use. "Rising energy costs over several years means energy
management is now an important factor for any Small to Medium Enterprise," Trevor Mallard said.
"Reducing energy use is also a way for these businesses to mitigate the impact of the forthcoming carbon tax, as many
businesses can achieve savings on energy costs of up to 15 percent with better energy management.
“Smart businesses are thinking about actions they can take to minimise energy costs. This makes them more profitable,
and benefits the environment.”
The government, through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), has partnered with Contact Energy,
Mercury Energy, and Meridian Energy to deliver the programme to businesses around New Zealand.
Energy Challenger has been specifically designed for businesses that spend $50,000 to $500,000 on energy annually.
The key feature of the product is its simplicity. The Energy Challenger programme develops an immediate energy
management action plan for each business to reduce energy costs after a 10-15 minute diagnosis.
The action plan includes online links to support services and suppliers to help implement the plan, technical
improvements that the business can make, and also recommends improvements to management practices to ensure the energy
savings are sustainable. The application was developed by energy consultants Energetics, an international company that
has created other energy management products for EECA to use with New Zealand businesses.
Energy Challenger builds on existing energy management services provided to the top 300 energy-using businesses in New
Zealand through EECA's Emprove programme. For more information go to www.contactenergy.co.nz or
www.mercuryenergy.co.nz/challenger or www.emprove.org.nz
ENDS