About Us
- Achievements and partnerships
- Trustee details
»Profile
Community Energy Action (CEA) is a charitable trust based in Christchurch.
Established in 1994, CEA's mission is "to provide equitable energy efficient solutions to achieve good health, good environmental outcomes and the relief of fuel poverty in our community".
Community Energy Action's primary focus is improving the energy efficiency of the low income housing sector in Christchurch, to enable people to enjoy warmer and healthier living conditions.
Through its broader research, facilitation, projects and commercial activities CEA also works with the wider community to provide practical and appropriate energy solutions. See our latest annual report for a summary of our progress and plans for the future.
Community_Energy_Action_Annual_Report_2008.pdf (977.94 KB)
Browse our site and discover low cost ways to make a difference to your home comfort, the health of your household and the amount you spend on power and heating.
»Achievements and partnerships
From its early days as a pilot for similar trusts around New Zealand, CEA has grown into a leading installer of affordable insulation and a range of home energy services. CEA is a project-focused organisation. Our core work is designing and running projects that retrofit energy efficiency and heating measures into houses. We also run a Curtain Bank to provide this most basic of energy efficiency measures to those families most in need.
CEA's approach is based on research and partnerships. Research underpins new developments, and innovations in services and methods. We strive to bring central and local government agencies, energy businesses, landlords and community agencies into an inclusive relationship.
EnergyWise Residential Award for Energy Efficiency
In 2001 CEA was recognised nationally as joint winner of the inaugural EnergyWise Residential Award for Energy Efficiency. In 2004 we were runner-up in the EnergyWise Sustained Achievement Award.
The core work of insulating homes has been part-funded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). This relationship remains strong and currently enables around 300 households (including some rental properties) to access government subsidised insulation.
From its beginning CEA has benefited from the support offered by many organisations. Sustained and critically important support has come from Orion New Zealand (formerly Southpower) by way of office premises, support from Orion staff and in recent years funding of projects. Other key partners are EECA, Environment Canterbury, Meridian Energy, Mainpower, Contact Energy and the Wellington School of Medicine, along with many formal and informal arrangements.
CEA Celebrated by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority as a High Achiever (October 2008)
Community Energy Action Charitable Trust (CEA) was one of 5 organisations acknowledged by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) as a Top Achiever for delivering subsidised insulation to low income households. The award was made in Wellington on 29 September 2008 to organisations contracted by EECA under its ENERGYWISE programme. All five exceeded their targets.
CEA_Celebrated_By_Energy_Efficiency_Conservation_Authority_As_A_High_Achiever_October_2008.pdf (19.47 KB)
»Trustee details
Alan Christie is a Human Resources Consultant. Previously the Human Resources Manager for Orion, Alan was formerly Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Stop Trust for a number of years. Alan is a committee member of the City to Sumner Community Watch, and a volunteer at the Sumner Police Station.
Stephen Godfrey is an Energy Projects Manager for Orion, the central Canterbury electricity distribution company. Steve has been with Orion for 10 years, prior to which he was a finance manager in the United Kingdom for an international telecommunications company.
Sheila Hailstone formerly European Training Manager and Key Account Partner for Gartner UK, the world's leading IT Research Company and past Chief Executive of CEA. She has a scientific background and was a recipient of an MBA from Canterbury University in 2000 and is presently a self employed business trainer.
Stephen Lewis was formerly a senior executive for National Grid Plc and has over 30 years of electricity supply industry experience. His previous career with National Grid Plc spanned the UK, the USA, Australia and South America. He is also currently a Director of MainPower New Zealand Ltd.
Ian McChesney is self employed as a consultant specialising in energy/transport. Previous roles have included work in energy research, and local and central government policy. Co-founder of CEA in 1994 and currently chair of the trust.
Ian McKenzie is a Project Management Consultant with a background in local government management and infrastructure development, including leading teams in building and community development projects. A member of the executive and past chair of the South Island Branch of the Project Management Institute NZ, Ian also facilitates stakeholder consultation and trains in construction and project management.
Raewyn Moss works for Meridian Energy as their Natural Resources Manager. Prior to joining the electricity industry Raewyn worked as an environmental management consultant for KPMG and Lloyds Register in the UK and in compliance and planning roles in regional government. Raewyn is a Trustee on the Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust and sits on the panel for deciding funding for the Meridian Te Anau Manapouri Community Fund.