12/12/2022
EA Networks is pleased to announce its successful application to receive $60,000 of funding from the Support for Energy Education in Communities (SEEC) Programme administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).
SEEC is a government initiative designed to lift people out of energy hardship. The programme funds community groups, organisations and businesses that are involved in providing support and services to help people reduce their electricity costs and have warmer, more energy-efficient homes.
Earlier this year, EA Networks ran an initiative in partnership with EcoBulb, helping over 80 homes by supplying LED lightbulbs, energy-efficiency tips and low-cost solutions to help their homes be warmer for winter. Ecobulb managing director Chris Mardon said the company was excited about continuing the partnership with EA Networks, “We found the average savings across the first 80 homes was $702 per year and we’re looking forward to bringing some great cost reductions to other homes in Mid Canterbury.”
“We’ve put a lot of thought into how we can help our local community lower electricity costs and be more energy efficient,” says Jessica Harris, EA Networks’ Customer Experience Manager, “Now our focus for 2023 is providing support to a further 200 homes thanks to our successful MBIE funding application.”
EA Networks will be contributing an additional $25,000, enabling a total of $85,000 to be put towards supporting energy efficiency and cost reductions throughout the community. Further support for the community is provided through a $25,000 contribution to Community Energy Action Charitable Trust, for the installation of insulation in Mid-Canterbury homes. “With our successful SEEC funding application, we now have a total of $110,000 that will be used to help homes prepare for Winter and reduce electricity costs,” says Ms Harris.
EA Networks will be looking to partner with local community agencies to help identify those in our community who could really use some support in this area. “It’s really about how we can support locals”, says Roger Sutton, EA Networks’ CEO. “We’re proud of our community ownership and finding ways to reduce costs for our community and contributing in positive ways is really important to us”.
For more information on SEEC funding, check out www.mbie.govt.nz/seec
