Energy efficiency to get $3m boost

WELLINGTON - The Green Party has won $3 million from the Government for energy conservation as part of a package of "Green" measures in this week's Budget.

Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the Government had agreed to boost funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority by $3 million.

Ms Fitzsimons steered the Energy Efficiency Act through Parliament, before it was passed on May 10.

The act gives a statutory basis to the authority and expands its responsibilities.

It also establishes ministerial responsibility for delivering on energy efficiency and conservation policies and requires the development of a national energy efficiency and conservation strategy.

Under the act, the Minister of Energy has the power to set mandatory energy performance standards for energy-using products such as appliances, equipment and vehicles.

Ms Fitzsimons said $3 million would pay for the development of a national strategy on energy use, allow work to begin on minimum energy performance standards for products such as fridges and cars, and provide grants to make homes more energy-efficient.

Energy Minister Pete Hodgson said the Government intended shifting the focus of energy policy towards greater efficiency and had agreed to a package of up to $20 million for a series of measures nominated by the Greens.

- NZPA