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Families can fight climate change and save $1000

24.09.2007

"The average Kiwi family can help the country fight climate change and save as much as $1000 a year by following simple energy efficiency and conservation measures," says Martin Gallagher, MP for Hamilton West.

“The average Kiwi family can help the country fight climate change and save as much as $1000 a year by following simple energy efficiency and conservation measures,” says Martin Gallagher, MP for Hamilton West.

By adopting some simple no cost and low cost energy savings actions the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority estimates families can knock around $600 of the energy bill for the family home and around $400 from the family car.

“This potential savings identified by EECA will more than cover any increases in fuel costs that happen in 2009 and electricity costs that happen in 2010 as a result of the government’s decision to introduce an Emissions Trading Scheme,” said Martin Gallagher.

“It’s also important to remember that the government is looking at ways to assist households as they adjust to higher electricity costs, whether that's through compensation for people on low or modest incomes, or assistance for energy efficiency measures such as insulation retrofits.”

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority estimates the following simple actions can save a Kiwi family between $560 and $710 each year:

  • Use a timer on the heated towel rail
  • Turn off the old beer fridge
  • Turn appliances off instead of to standby
  • Fit energy saving lightbulbs
  • Using cold water in the laundry,
  • Setting your hot water tank to 60 degrees
  • Fit a low flow shower head and hot water cylinder rap

On the road, the combined impact of keeping your car tyres at the correct pressure, not speeding, avoiding short trips, driving smoothly, reducing idling time, having your car serviced, taking unnecessary weight out of the car (like golf clubs) and going easy on the air conditioning can cut petrol use by 20 per cent. That would save around 280 litres a year worth $420 at $1.50 a litre.

“Climate change is problem that affects us all, but if we take small actions it’s an opportunity to protect our environment and cut costs without harming our quality of life.”


For more information see

www.climatechange.govt.nz

www.smarterhomes.govt.nz

www.fuelsaver.govt.nz

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