EECA is seeking feedback on its proposed energy levy-funded activities for the 2021/22 year.
EECA receives part of its funding from levies collected from the road transport fuel, electricity and gas sectors.
EECA’s Chief Executive Andrew Caseley says the levy funding allows EECA to continue work to improve energy productivity and reduce carbon emissions.
"Increasing energy efficiency saves money across the economy, including for consumers. New Zealand spends about $18.5 billion on energy each year, and EECA estimates the country could save up to 20% of its energy use through improved energy efficiency by 2030."
Mr Caseley also points out using energy more efficiently and switching to renewable energy solutions reduces emissions.
"Forty one percent of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from energy use and there are opportunities across the economy to make significant carbon reductions."
For the 2021/22 year EECA is consulting on a total of $14.3 million (unchanged from the previous year) from the following levies:
- Petroleum or Engine Fuel Monitoring (PEFM) levy: $7.5 million (52%)
- Electricity industry levy: $5.5 million (39%)
- Gas Safety, Monitoring and Energy Efficiency (GSMEE) levy: $1.3 million (9%)
2021/22 Energy Levies Consultation
Mr Caseley says EECA is not seeking an increase in the levies which will help fund:
- co-investment to help reduce the financial barriers of investment in low-emission technologies and practices
- motivating people to make clean and clever energy choices such as buying electric or low-emissions vehicles.
- regulating to prevent inefficient products and appliances being sold in New Zealand.
Consultation on the 2021/22 levy programme is open from 18 November to 21 December 2020. People who want to make a submission can email EECA at levyconsultation@eeca.govt.nz, or write to us at EECA, 44 The Terrace, Wellington.