NZ relays schemes to reduce energy bills

EECA introduced an interactive tool in their website called Energy Leader that helps businesses reduce their energy bill. After answering a few simple questions, businesses will receive a tailored action plan that will help focus energy saving efforts, measure progress and motivate staff to get on board.

“We have found that one of the biggest barriers to businesses reducing their energy bills is they just don’t know where to start. This new web-based tool will help point people in the right direction, and make it easier to start to take action,” said Mike Underhill, Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

In some cases, government funding is available to help consumers and businesses invest in ways to be more energy efficient, including grants for insulation, heating, solar water heating and business energy audits.

Starting July, the New Zealand energy sector entered the Emissions Trading Scheme pushing up electricity prices by about US$0.0107 per kilowatt hour.

“It is the same for businesses. Obviously the actions are different depending on the size and the sector, but in our experience many businesses can save 20 percent - often more - off their annual energy bill through energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.”

“Not only can businesses and households offset any prices increases, they have the opportunity to go further and significantly reduce their energy bills,” Underhill pointed out. “Using timers and thermostats for appliances such as heat pumps and heated towel rails can save several hundred dollars a year,” he added.