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Auckland families are getting their share of government help to make homes warmer, dryer and more energy efficient, says Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche.

"Already, 1406 homes across the Auckland region have taken advantage of the government's EnergyWise home grants," said Mark Gosche.

EnergyWise home grants are managed locally by organisations such as Tamaki Ki Raro - Snug Homes II and EcoMatters Waitakarei*. The grants target lower-income households cover insulation for ceilings, floors and pipes, draught-proofing, and hot water cylinders. Some local schemes also help with moisture barriers under floors, compact fluorescent lights, and low-flow showers.

"I don't want to see Auckland families lagging behind, so I'm urging everyone to take a look at the information on the energy efficiency website, www.eeca.govt.nz."

The grants are getting some extra heat, with new plans from the Labour-led government to make New Zealand more sustainable, and secure the energy supply.

"The Labour-led government is offering lots of support across the country, with 70,000 insulation, energy efficiency or clean heat loans by 2015; 65,000 insulation retrofits for low income households by 2012; and up to 20,000 solar water heating systems installed into households by 2010," said Mark Gosche.

"We can all make relatively small changes to be more energy efficient, and doing so means more spare cash for the things we enjoy," said Mark Gosche. "Turning off appliances instead of leaving them on standby will save households $75 per year. Using energy saving light bulbs can save you up to $90 a year, and turning off the old spare fridge during the week can cut your power bill by $300 a year."

The government's Energy Strategy, launched last week by Prime Minister Helen Clark, is about how New Zealanders get their energy; it sets out the government’s vision for a sustainable, low emissions energy system, and an action plan to make that vision a reality. Launched alongside it was the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, about smart technology and thoughtful use of energy for light, warmth, power for business and fuel for transport. It aims to help families, business, the travelling public save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

* Tamaki Ki Raro - Snug Homes II looks after grant projects for qualifying homes in and around the Greater Auckland region focusing mainly on Auckland & South Auckland for 2006/07, and extending into other parts of Auckland over 2007/08. In West Auckland, EcoMatters Waitakere looks after grant projects for qualifying homes in and around Waitakere City.

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