The demand for Clean Heat financial assistance ahead of new air rules commencing on April 1 means waiting lists for assessments are growing. Christchurch residents who are not already prepared are advised to consider what alternatives they will use to stay warm this winter. The ban on the use of open fires and solid fuel burners 15 years or older will be in effect from April until September.
Due to the publicity around the coming ban, record numbers of people have been registering and booking assessments. “Phone enquiries to Environment Canterbury have soared. Last February, there were 1500 calls about the Clean Heat project and it is looking like we will reach 3000 calls for the same period this year,” said Environment Canterbury air portfolio chair Sir Kerry Burke said.
“This strong demand for Clean Heat assistance means that people are waiting longer than usual for a free assessment and installers are getting booked up as well.”
Sir Kerry said that although Environment Canterbury is now booking assessments for April, it is important that people continue to register for Clean Heat assistance, even if the installation of a low pollution appliance cannot occur until after April 1.
“If you cannot meet the deadline, work out how you’re going to heat your home until the new appliance is installed,” said Sir Kerry. “We don’t want people risking a $300 fine, and if you have taken steps to replace an open fire or older burner, our enforcement officers will take that into account.”
Sir Kerry said that for people living in rental properties, the tenant and the landlord are equally responsible for ensuring the open fire or older burner is not used during winter after April 1. “People will need to use an alternative to heat their home or install an efficient, low pollution appliance.”
Sir Kerry said the intention to introduce a ban to deliver cleaner air had been discussed for many years in Christchurch and many people have already taken action. The Clean Heat Project has already helped 16,000 households prepare for the ban over a seven year period.
Clean Heat is funded through a ten-year targeted rate scheme to help 26,000 households insulate and switch to cleaner heating over its lifetime. The Clean Heat Project offers a range of financial plans to homeowners including interest-free loans, full subsidies for people who qualify for a Christchurch City Council rates rebate, partial subsidies and landlord subsidies.
Its success has already improved air quality in the city. “There has been a noticeable drop in pollution levels over recent winters. The community expectation is that we keep up that momentum,” Sir Kerry said.
To find out if they are eligible for Clean Heat assistance, people should check www.cleanheat.co.nz or call 0800 329276 (0800 EC WARM).
Environment Canterbury Air Portfolio Chair Cr Sir Kerry Burke (03) 355-8104.