The Government is launching a new public information campaign with tips on how New Zealanders can save up to $500 on their annual power bills.
Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods said the ideas "aren't new" but will be "meaningful to families" as "small steps can add up to savings that make a real difference".
"There is an immediate need to support Kiwi families with information on energy saving," Woods said.
The 'Find Money in Weird Places' campaign is a partnership between the Government agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's (EECA) Warmer Kiwi Homes programme and Consumer NZ, with support from the Electricity Authority.
It has five key tips which the Government says could help Kiwis save up to $500 on their annual power bills.
The tips are:
- Checking you're on the best power plan for you and your whānau
- Switching off appliances at the wall when you’re not using them
- Setting your heat pump to a maximum of 21 degrees
- Changing your washing machine settings to cold wash
- Shortening showers to five minutes.
The campaign will feature on television, social media, in print publications and on bus stops and malls throughout winter. A brochure with supporting tips will also be delivered to around 500,000 households that receive the Government's Winter Energy Payment. An additional 16-page booklet with more energy-saving information will be distributed in seven languages.
In Budget 2023, the Government announced it was expanding the EECA's Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, to deliver 26,500 insulation and heating retrofits per year over the next four years as well as energy efficient hot water heaters and LED lights.
It has been allocated $402.6 million over four years to deliver the work, including $20 million for around 5 million LEDs.
"The programme extension will help tens of thousands more New Zealanders lower their power bills and improve their health by improving the thermal performance and heating in their homes,” said Woods.
The expanded Warmer Kiwi Homes programme is expected to save approximately 35,400 tonnes of CO2e per year by 2026/27.
A Motu study found the programme was reducing electricity use in the homes by 16 percent on average over winter months.
