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Nick sings off tune in shower

Shane Jones

10.10.2008

Nick Smith's logic over the amount of hot water anyone can use in the shower is just plain nonsense and a bare-faced lie, says Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones.

The plain and simple facts are are no restrictions on the amount of hot water anyone can use," Mr Jones said.

"There are no restrictions on the flow rate of your showerhead. There no restrictions to the number of showers you can take or, the showerhead you use.

"This is a complete fabrication by Nick Smith. He is misrepresenting a design standard for new homes. That standard provides for hot water energy savings of 20 percent over current averages using modern technology to save the home-owner money and reduce the possibility of blackouts and electricity shortages.

"He wants people to live in cold, draughty, energy-inefficient and expensive homes. He is reflecting National's head-in-the-sand approach to climate change, energy-efficiency and environmental sustainability."

Mr Jones said the public should look at the facts instead of accepting Dr Smith's distorted views.

The Facts are:

The proposed amendments are only intended for new homes and additional water systems and will not apply to existing homes unless a whole new system is installed.
The rules are to improve the energy efficiency of hot water systems and will help people save money on their energy bills.
The low-flow rate is not mandatory. People will have an option to use a shower head of their choice.
A high-flow head could be used if an efficient heating system is installed, like a heat pump or a solar system. The important point is the over-all energy efficiency of the water heating system.
The Department of Building and Housing have consulted on the proposals. All submissions will be carefully evaluated before a final decision is made.
Any such measures will come into force after a full and considered reflection on the consultation.