Households can apply for energy-saving support

Consumers can once again apply for a government program aimed at supporting households experiencing energy hardship.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) has opened the latest funding round of the Support for Energy Education in Communities (SEEC) program.

Up to $2.95 million is available through this funding round, which is the largest amount in a single funding round since the program began in 2021, according to MBIE Energy Use Policy Manager Daniel Brown.

“So far, MBIE has funded 41 community-level projects that are empowering households experiencing energy hardship with specialist information and advice to improve the energy-efficiency in their homes,” he said

“Some projects connect households with other services like curtain banks, and help them find a cheaper power plan. The funding is also used to provide small energy-saving items, such as timing sensors and draught stoppers, that further help households save on costs.

“Some of the earlier projects to receive funding are saving households hundreds of dollars a year through small behaviour changes around the home. For example, efficient lighting solutions, getting rid of the second fridge or switching to a cheaper power plan can each save households around $200 a year.”

SEEC program since 2021

• 18,903 households reached.
• 121,692 LED lightbulbs delivered.
• 28,678 other low-cost energy-saving items delivered.
• 534 community or group events.
• 7,558 education or energy assessments.
• 201 staff trained to support energy education.
• 206 resources, education material and tools developed.

(Courtesy of © Loan Market | NZ Financial Services Group Limited (FSP286965)