Providers invited to join Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart

Homeowners across New Zealand will be able to get their homes insulated sooner, with 71 providers today invited to sign up to deliver Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart.

More than 240 applications from potential service providers were received. "We were delighted to get an overwhelming response from organisations wanting to help us deliver this programme. It shows both tremendous capacity and enthusiasm on the part of the industry, to want to make a real difference to New Zealanders' homes and wellbeing," said Mike Underhill, Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

EECA, which delivers Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart on behalf of the Government, invited applications from service providers to be registered under the programme. Today it announced it will start contract negotiations with 71 selected organisations, with the aim to have contracts in place by 1 October.

Mr Underhill said: "The programme is already very successful. There has been high demand from homeowners and massive support from the industry. We're mindful that people in some regions have had longer waits than others, so we've ensured all regions have enough coverage to provide competition. This is great news for homeowners who want to get their homes insulated and it's great news for businesses which will soon have contracts in place."

Applications from service providers were carefully assessed according to criteria that included price, quality, service, experience, regional coverage and employment. The number of service providers invited to sign up per region, ranges from 15 in Tasman and the West Coast, to 34 in Waikato.

"We understand some providers will be disappointed to miss out, and we're genuinely grateful for their effort. Our priority now is to get contracts signed so we can make more New Zealand homes warmer and healthier, sooner," Mr Underhill said.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart aims to retrofit 180,000 homes over four years. This represents around 20% of the homes in New Zealand estimated to be too cold, damp or draughty.

EECA will announce the providers in October after contracts are signed. These will be listed on the website at www.energywise.govt.nz.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Government announced funding of $323 million in the 28 May Budget for a programme to fund insulation and clean heat in New Zealand homes. Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart launched on 1 July 2009.
2. Under the scheme, homeowners on all incomes with pre-2000 homes are eligible for a third of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, up to $1300. Provided their home is insulated they may also get a $500 grant towards clean heating.
3. Community Service Card holders are eligible for 60% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and $1,200 towards clean heating.
4. For more information see www.energywise.govt.nz.