Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat home heating and insulation scheme has had a significant influence on central Government’s insulation package, confirmed in Christchurch today by Prime Minister John Key.

“Environment Canterbury pioneered Clean Heat in Christchurch five years ago in response to years of concern about pollution,” said ECan chairman Sir Kerry Burke. “Around 14,000 households have benefited and we want to do the same number again. The Government package means many more than that will be eligible for help, which bodes well for healthier winter air region-wide.

“Our partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority has been extremely valuable, most recently helping people in smaller, polluted Canterbury towns install insulation and clean heating.

“Central Government has recognised this local success by encouraging other New Zealand councils to look at ECan’s loans scheme option - paying back the cost of insulation and clean heat through their rates bills over ten years. This is available in Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton, Kaiapoi and Rangiora.

The Government funding package will be made available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) from July and ECan’s Clean Heat Project has been approved as a provider of energy efficiency installations.

“New rules banning the use of open fires and older wood burners come into effect from next winter in Christchurch and other towns are likely to follow. This Government package provides even more reason for people to take that first step.”

The Clean Heat Project currently provides assistance for insulation and clean heating for homes currently heated with open fires and solid fuel burners in Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton, Rangiora and Kaiapoi. Now it will be able to help a wider range of people access the new funding package, starting with Christchurch residents living in homes built before the year 2000.

“Christchurch will be the first to reap the rewards of the new EECA funding, thanks to Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council working together to assist people to make their homes healthier and more comfortable. “

The government’s funding announcement earlier this month, together with Clean Heat advertising and new rules for open fires and woodburners in Christchurch and Kaiapoi has boosted interest in Clean Heat. Customer services took a record 246 calls in one day and calls about Clean Heat have increased to more than 4000 so far this winter, double the number for the same period last year.

“Things are busy but we are well resourced to manage the increased demand over time. Currently we are booking Clean Heat assessments for late July and are still scheduling installations for later this winter. Clean Heat operates all year long. People can call Clean Heat customer services on freephone 0800 329 276 or visit the Clean Heat website www.cleanheat.org.nz.”

Further information: Sir Kerry Burke, Environment Canterbury Chairman, 0275 425 848.