Warm Greater Wellington scheme ready to go

From today (4 March 2010), ratepayers in the Greater Wellington region can apply to the Regional Council for up to $2,600 as a top up for support offered by EECA for home insulation and clean heating for their homes. This money will be repaid through a targeted rate against the property over the following nine years.

Greater Wellington’s Chair Fran Wilde said that this scheme should help to accelerate the uptake of the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand Heat Smart scheme in the region.

“Modern insulation systems and clean heating appliances mean that people shouldn’t be living in cold and unhealthy homes. As well as health benefits, insulation also reduces heating costs and adds value to properties. Our Council believes that this new scheme is a way it can offer tangible benefits to all of the region’s residential property owners.

“This initiative also offers benefits in terms of reduced air pollution from open fires – important in towns like Masterton and Greytown – and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“In addition to the assistance currently available through EECA, Greater Wellington will provide up to $2,600 per property (including GST), and a total spending cap for this scheme of $3 million per year. This means up to 1,150 households in the region can be helped out each year,” Fran Wilde said.

This scheme is designed to be self-funding and will not impose any additional costs on regional ratepayers other than those who own properties covered by the scheme. Greater Wellington will charge interest on any funding taken up under this scheme.

Further information can be found at www.gw.govt.nz/warmer-gw or by calling 0800 496 734 during business hours.