Enigin Update - Energy Efficiency Funding Bonus for Wellington Businesses
COMPANIES in Wellington, New Zealand are being offered an added bonus of up to NZ$1,000 to improve energy use, under a partnership between Government and Wellington City Council announced today.
Last month the New Zealand government launched its Energising Business programme to help Kiwi businesses cut energy costs. Under the scheme, delivered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), companies may be eligible for up to NZ$30,000 (or a third of the project cost) to help them identify and put in place energy-saving measures.
In Wellington, the City Council is offering a further $1,000 per company – or 17 percent of the project cost – to encourage businesses to get on board.
“Throughout New Zealand there’s an estimated NZ$2 billion in business energy savings that could be unlocked,” said Acting Minister of Energy and Resources Hekia Parata. “That’s a lot of money going to waste that companies could put to better use, developing new products or expanding markets.”
EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill said the whole region could potentially benefit from a more energy efficient business sector.
Underhill said, “It’s great that Wellington City Council recognises the benefits of improving energy use, and that it’s incentivising businesses to take action. Energy savings go straight to the bottom line, making companies more robust, productive and competitive – which is good for the region, and for the country.”
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said she expected the assistance would encourage more local businesses to look at ways to reduce energy use and bills, aligning economic and environmental outcomes.
“Many local businesses are already working to reduce emissions and costs. This will be the incentive others need to take the plunge and start making some changes,” she said. “Partnerships are essential for Wellington if we are to achieve our ambitious climate change goals.”
The New Zealand government is investing NZ$1.46 million in the programme, which is expected to deliver nearly NZ$2 million in energy savings to businesses each year. Around 180 companies nationwide are expected to benefit.
Enigin have a range of energy efficiency technologies to enable businesses and organisations to gain control of their energy spend and us. Enigin Distributors have exclusive access to Enigin plc's solutions.
Picture of Wellington, New Zealand by PhillipC
