Help for those with energy hardship, Northpower’s new energy advice programme wins SEEC funding

Northpower has won funding from the Support for Energy Education in Communities (SEEC) programme for their new energy advice programme.

The SEEC programme is part of a suite of new government initiatives focused on lifting people out of energy hardship.

Northpower are embarking on a consumer outreach programme aimed at helping Northlanders with practical energy saving advice and assistance to help them reduce their total electricity costs. The SEEC funding will contribute $55,000 toward this programme.

Northpower will work with community partners to reach households in need with personalised electricity advice and support across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts. This includes practical help through home energy assessments, providing free LED lightbulbs and draught stoppers, and help regarding electricity safety in the home.

Northpower will be reaching out to whānau across the region through community hui and trusted community partners to provide help to those most in need. However, anyone looking for simple ways to reduce their electricity costs can access advice through Northpower’s call centres and on its website.

Rachel Wansbone, Northpower’s Customer Excellence Manager, says she is delighted that MBIE are supporting the programme through the provision of SEEC funding.

“We know that energy hardship is a real issue for many in our region. Northpower is aiming to play its part in helping lift our vulnerable customers out of energy hardship through education, practical advice and energy saving devices and working together with trusted partners in the community” says Ms Wansbone.

“We look forward to working with our community to roll out this programme, helping our customers most in need.”

Northpower’s programme is one of 15 recipients sharing $1.65m of co-funding for projects under the latest round from the Support for Energy Education in Communities (SEEC) programme, which is administered by MBIE and aims to lift people out of energy hardship.