News & Research
People seeking information on the amount of insulation needed to keep them affordably warm and a rough indication of what heater size they will need, can check other sections of this website.
Local charity successful at securing funding (10 May 2010)
In a time where many businesses are struggling and sometimes moving due to downsizing, one local charity is bucking the trend. Community Energy Action Charitable Trust, a provider of subsidised insulation and heating, has doubled its staff over the last year and has recently moved to new premises to accommodate the growth. Former Christchurch mayor Garry Moore who was instrumental in the set up of the trust in 1994, will officially open their new premises on Moorhouse Ave on Thursday 13 May.
"Community Energy Action works a bit different from most charitable organisations," says Bede Martin, Chief Executive of Community Energy Action. "We don't ask the people of Christchurch for monetary donations, instead we are asking them to use us to install insulation for their own home! By installing insulation and heating through us, people support our community programmes. These programmes are mostly funded by our sponsors and funders but with the surpluses from our insulation work we have been able to provide even more support to those in need."
Community Energy Action community programmes range from a Curtain Bank which provides recycled donated curtains into the homes of vulnerable people, providing extra subsidies for those in need such as the elderly, families with babies and people with health conditions affected by the cold. They also host a free phone service for advice on home energy issues and a community education programmes.
Community Energy Action was established in 1994 and celebrated its 15 year anniversary last year. It currently employs around 40 people. In 2009 it installed insulation in nearly 2400 homes.
New subsidy scheme keeps CEA busy (19 August 2009)
The cold winter means the phones haven't stopped ringing at Christchurch-based charitable trust Community Energy Action (CEA) since the new government subsidy scheme for insulation and heating started on 1 July this year. One month into the new subsidy scheme for insulation and heating CEA has taken on five extra installers and four extra assessors to cope with the demand.
"The scheme is positive for many people," says Bede Martin, CE of CEA. "It means a lot of homes of a lot of people are going to get warmer if not this winter than certainly before next winter. As an extra bonus we have been able to hire extra staff which for us as a charitable trust in this time of recession is a very positive side-effect." CEA staff numbers have increased 90% since January.
CEA is a registered provider of the government subsidies and installs insulation in all eligible homes. It also provides extra funding for people in extreme hardship and especially helps elderly people, families with newborn babies and those with health conditions.
New subsidy scheme keeps CEA busy (87.10 KB)
Hundreds benefit from warmer drier healthier homes in Kaikoura (18 August 2009, joint media release with MainPower)
More than 300 Kaikoura families are benefitting from warmer, drier and healthier homes this winter thanks to the Warm-up Kaikoura Project, a whole-town energy efficiency project funded by MainPower in partnership with EECA’s Energywise™
programme.
“We chose Kaikoura because it is a Green Globe Town and ‘Warm up Kaikoura’ would assist the town to build on its Green Globe success factors”, says Julie Battersby, Community Relations Manager for MainPower. “The benefits of having a town more energy efficient are the residents are warmer and healthier and use less energy to heat their homes”.
“We have had really good feedback from people who have had their homes insulated.” One person said: ‘“I could feel the difference in temperature the day after the installers had been”.
“The project was a great success and installed more than 50,000 square metres of insulation”, says Julie Battersby. That is equivalent to 8.5 rugby fields, or stretched in one long line along the highway, covers the 118 km from Omihi Road to Kaikoura. Measures included ceiling and under floor insulation, under floor moisture barrier, cylinder wraps and exterior door draught stoppers.
To date MainPower's wider Warm Homes programme has installed insulation and other home energy efficiency measures in close to 1000 homes in the North Canterbury and Kaikoura region.
MainPower contracted Canterbury charitable trust Community Energy Action (CEA) to install the insulation in Kaikoura homes. “CEA are aware that the insulation situation in smaller towns can be worse than in the main centres. That is why we were delighted to be contracted by MainPower for this project” says Bede Martin, Chief Executive of CEA.
CEA found some marked differences from homes they insulate in Christchurch, where assessors usually find that many of the homes have too thin a layer of insulation. “Many homes in Kaikoura had no insulation at all. These people must have been freezing over many winters,” says Mr Martin.
Mike Limmer, team leader for the CEA installation teams said the CEA installers received overwhelming hospitality from the people of Kaikoura. “We often got coffee and scones and were taken on hunting and fishing trips. We were even invited for tea once!” Mr Limmer says.
With the recently announced changes to government funding for insulation, there is now even greater opportunity for home owners to insulate and warm up their homes.
Hundreds benefit from warmer drier healthier homes in Kaikoura (120.50 KB)
CEA's reaction to the launch of the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart Launch (18 June 2009)
Community Energy Action Charitable Trust (CEA) has been overwhelmed by the interest in the subsidies for insulation and heating announced by the government last month and launched today. CEA is one of the organisations approved by the government to deliver the insulation and heating subsidy programme and was complimented at today’s launch for its role in initiating and delivering home energy efficiency projects in Canterbury.
“Even before the programme starts on 1 July, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing here,” says Bede Martin, Chief Executive of CEA. “We have 600 people on our list to have their homes assessed. With the extra staff we have employed recently, we will do our best to meet the demand as quickly as we can, although it may take some time to completely clear the backlog.
People know that we use our surpluses to install insulation in the homes of very needy people who cannot afford insulation and heating and that’s why many prefer to come to us. We do our very best and are asking people’s patience but it may be into spring before we have cleared our waiting list.”
“While we are delighted with the new scheme, we are still concerned about those who cannot pay for insulation and heating even with the generous subsidies. The cost, even with a subsidy, can still be too much for those on low incomes. We try to help these people as best we can with our special projects.”
CEA's reaction to budget 2009 announcement on insulation and heating subsidy (28 May 2009)
Community Energy Action Charitable Trust (CEA) applauds the budget announcement that increases funding for subsidies of insulation and heating. CEA is one of the organisations approved by the government to deliver the insulation and heating subsidy programme. CEA is especially pleased with the addition of a heating subsidy for community services card holders. However CEA warns that people should check what they need in terms of insulation and heater size to ensure they get the products that are right for them and not just for the suppliers.
“Fuel poverty, where households cannot afford to keep warm, is a reality in our community,” says Bede Martin, Chief Executive of CEA. “It is encouraging to see that the government recognizes that it needs to be addressed and continues to increase its investment in making our homes healthier and more energy efficient.”
When it comes to keeping warm, CEA advocates whole house solutions. Present subsidies focus on insulation alone. “Insulation and heating go hand in hand,” says Mr Martin. “Adding a heating grant to the insulation subsidy programme for community services card holders makes so much sense. It will make a big difference to the lives of many vulnerable people.”
People seeking information on the amount of insulation needed to keep them affordably warm and a rough indication of what heater size they will need, can check other sections of this website. “CEA is a charitable trust and one of our goals is to provide impartial information so people can make informed decisions about how to keep warm,” says Mr Martin. “For example we find many people who think they have ceiling insulation when in fact it has packed down so much over the years that it is virtually ineffective.”
Free Home Energy Advice Is A Phone Call Away (March 2009)
On Friday March 13 The Minister of Energy and Resources, Hon. Gerry Brownlee (left)launched the Canterbury Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC), which will help people gain valuable home energy advice via an 0800 free phone line. The Christchurch-based service will join trained advisors based in Wellington and Auckland in providing impartial advice on making homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.
The Canterbury HEAC is managed by a national network of energy trusts, the Energy Efficiency Community Network. The service is being delivered by Christchurch based charitable trust, Community Energy Action (CEA) on behalf of the national network. It is targeted at all Cantabrians north of the Rakaia until additional funding enables it to extend to other parts of the South Island.
Bede Martin, Chief Executive for CEA says "this service is badly needed. People need help understanding their 
power bill, which electricity plan they should be on, or why they are using so much electricity. Home owners are being confronted with confusing and conflicting information about heating and insulation products. The opportunity to speak over the phone with a trained, independent advisor about their personal situation is a key to making the best possible decisions".
The initiative is funded by the Ministry for the Environment, MainPower New Zealand Ltd, and Community Energy Action Charitable Trust.
Adam Reid (right), will be the principal HEAC Advisor.
The centre operates Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.
Canterbury residents can contact the HEAC by
1. calling 0800 388 588
2. emailing canterbury@energyadvice.org.nz
3. visiting the Home Energy Advice Centre website http://www.energyadvice.org.nz/
Media_Release_13_March_2009_ Free_Home_Energy_Advice_is_a_phone_call_away.pdf (321.61 KB)
New Scheme To Make Canterbury Families Healthy (December 2008)
Community Energy Action is proud to be part of a major new home insulation and heating programme called "Warm Families". This project brings together a range of partners to improve the health and wellness of low-income Canterbury families by turning their damp, cold homes into energy efficient, warm, dry and healthy homes.
Project partners include the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (a major funder), local lines companies Orion and MainPower, power retailer Meridian Energy, the Canterbury District Health Board, and Partnership Health Canterbury.
Participants will be referred to the project via their GP. Our Home Energy Assessors will check each home to determine insulation and heating requirements and we then arrange to install these measures.
The Warm Families programme will initially focus on those considered most at risk - children under 12 with respiratory illness, people elegible for a flu vaccine or with a chronic health condition, and people eligible for a Community Services Card.
For more information, click on the documents below
Warm_Families_Media_Release_2 December 2008.pdf (271.86 KB)
Warm_Families_The_Facts - Questions and Answers.pdf (288.29 KB)
Or visit:
TV3 "New scheme to keep families warm begins in Christchurch" (2 December 2008)
The Press: "Low income families warming to initiative" (3 December 2008)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4780213a6530.html
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_acknowledged_by_EECA_as_a_high_achiever_October_2008.pdf (19.50 KB)
CEA Submission to Electricity Commission on Market Design Review Options Paper (September 2008)
The Electricity Commission has raised a number of important issues about energy affordabilty in New Zealand through their "Market Design Review - Options Paper" (July 2008). View CEA's submission to this key paper.
CEA_Submission_to_Electricity_Commission_on_Market_Design_Review_Options_Paper_September_2008.pdf (110.32 KB)
Electric shock hazard for DIY installing under floor thermal insulation June 2007
»Fuel poverty in New Zealand
Introduction
On 4 June 2008 CEA hosted New Zealand's first Fuel Poverty Workshop. A household is living in fuel poverty when essential energy services such as heating and hot water are unaffordable to the residents.
Fuel poverty is a concept used widely in the United Kingdom to inform and implement substantial government strategies that work to improve the warmth of cold, low income households.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Raise awareness about Fuel Poverty (FP) and its impact on people's lives
- Explore the meaning and relevance of FP to New Zealand and to commence defining FP for New Zealand.
- Identify what is needed to eliminate Fuel Poverty
Fuel_Poverty_Workshop_Outline.pdf (44.42 KB)
Over 100 key stakeholders from all over the country attended this workshop, including NGO's, electricity suppliers, central and local government plus health representatives.
Speakers
Dr Gill Owen (United Kingdom) An expert in sustainable energy policy and utility regulation, particularly in fuel poverty and energy efficiency. Gill is a member of the UK Government's Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (FPAG).
David Green (United Kingdom) is Chief Executive of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy that he created in 2002, building on his past work as the Director of the Combined Heat and Power Association. David has worked as advisor on energy conservation programmes for low-income households to the Governments in Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand, as well as various institutions of the European Union.
Kay Saville-Smith (New Zealand) is a sociologist and director of the Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment - CRESA. She is involved in a wide range of research and advice work including the Household Energy End-use Energy Project study and the Healthy Housing Study led by Wellington School of Medicine.
Bob Lloyd (New Zealand): is the Director of Energy Studies (Otago University). His research work lies in energy conservation in residential housing and energy management including world energy resources.
Fuel_Poverty_Workshop_Speaker_Biographies.pdf (45.74 KB)
Speaker Presentations
Owen_and_Green_Fuel Poverty in the UK.ppt (50.00 KB)
Saville-Smith_Fuel_Poverty_in_NZ_HEEP_Project.ppt (599.50 KB)
Lloyd_Fuel_Poverty_in_NZ_Otago University.pdf (1.08 MB)
McChesney_Fuel_Poverty_Workshop_Reflections_and_Wrap_Up.pdf (81.19 KB)
Workshop Proceedings
Fuel_Poverty_Workshop_Proceedings_June_2008.pdf (125.66 KB)
Fuel_Poverty_Workshop_June_2008_Group_Responses_to_Questions_Full_Transcript.pdf (153.89 KB)
Priority Actions
CEA will be setting up regional and national-level Fuel Poverty Action Group. Membership will consist of key individuals and agencies who are committed to working towards addressing fuel poverty in New Zealand.
For any other queries, email fuelpoverty@cea.co.nz
Fuel Poverty Workshop Team (from left to right)
Bob Lloyd (Director of Energy Studies, University of Otago), Bede Martin (CE of Community Energy Action), Anne Currie (Health Promotor, Community and Public Health), David Green (Chief Executive of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy), Gill Owen (member of the UK Government's Fuel Poverty Advisory Group), Katie Nimmo (Community Outreach Coordinator CEA), Ian McChesney (Chair, CEA), Gary Robertson (Home Energy Assessor, CEA) Darci Westergard (Home Energy Assessor, CEA) Tamara Nicholls (PA, CEA) Les Norris, (Home Energy Assessor, CEA).
»Warm Home Standard
"The Warm Home Standard" is CEA's e-letter. It is distributed on an occasional basis to keep you informed about new information on our website, CEA activities and future directions plus other topical issues as they arise.
If you wish to subscribe to the "Warm Home Standard", email whs@cea.co.nz with the following text in the subject line: "subscribe me to The Warm Home Standard". To enable us to keep good subscription records, please include in your email your
- first name and surname
- the name of the organisation you work for
- your job title
The_Warm_Home_Standard_Winter_2008.pdf (65.67 KB)
The Warm Home Standard Spring 2007.pdf (64.80 KB)
The Warm Home Standard (112.24 KB) Autumn 2007 - “New Zealand Energy Efficiency Conservation Strategy disappoints”
“Warm Home Standard” launched October 2006
»Research
Heat Pump Survey III.pdf (361.52 KB) - October 2007
This is the final survey of a longitudinal study of heat pumps which is unique in New Zealand. CEA revisited a small sample of Christchurch householders to assess their level of satisfaction with their heat pump after sucessive winters. We also surveyed 12 new households who had received heat pumps through CEA's Warm Babies and Elderly Health projects. Findings include a more detailed analysis of electricity consumption patterns.
Budget Advice Service Survey (517.67 KB) – May 2005
This survey examines the energy efficiency needs of budget advice service users in Christchurch. It examines the extent to which power debt is an issue and examines strategies for reducing power costs. Heat Pump Survey I (147.78 KB) - March 2004
Are heat pumps an appropriate heating alternative for low income households which previously had open fires? What level of satisfaction, and what problems or concerns, if any, arise from installing heat pumps? Heat Pump Survey II (231.54 KB) – Winter 2004
This survey revisits households which took part in the original heat pump survey to assess their level of satisfaction with the heat pump after a second winter. It also examines perceptions of warmth and how a warm home can be achieved.
Energy Price Survey Report (55.71 KB) - 2005
The Energy Price Survey Report gives an overview of the prices and conditions of the four major energy suppliers in Christchurch and compares costs and services. The Price Comparison Table provides a quick reference to the price plans currently on offer. The Frequently Asked Questions offers help on issues associated with energy supply and billing such as ‘How often is my meter read?’ Warm Babies Project Evaluation Report (187.33 KB) - Feb 2005
The Warm Babies project was launched by Community Energy Action in 2000 to provide warm, healthy homes for low income families with young children. The report examines whether the project is still effective after 4 years in meeting the energy efficiency needs of participants and to identify how it can be developed to provide warm, energy efficient homes for young families in the future. The project is supported by an annual grant from Meridian Energy Ltd