Help with managing your winter energy costs
Help with managing your winter energy costs
Author: Chris Thomas
Date: 13 May 2024
“As the colder weather settles, it’s important for older people to plan for the inevitable higher power bills’, said Chris Thomas, manager of Age Concern South Canterbury,
“The Government’s Winter Energy Payment helps with the cost of heating homes. It runs from May 1st to October 1st each year and is paid automatically if you are on NZ Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension”.
Most people will have got their first winter energy payment last week as an extra to their usual super. For those on single superannuation, the payment is $20.46 per week, while couples receive $31.82 per week (only one person gets it, not both).
“A useful practical tip for maximizing the value of Winter Energy Payment is to allocate the extra funds directly to your power account. This approach helps you cover the additional power bills during winter, said Chris Thomas.
“Another idea we have come across is to set aside the payment throughout the winter season, save it up and use it in summer to purchase firewood at a lower cost and allowing ample time for the wood to dry out before you need it next winter”.
In addition to the Government’s financial assistance, older people might also benefit from the new EnergyMate service.
EnergyMate can support you with tips and tricks to save money on your power bill and keep warm along with guides to understand your electricity bill and how you might reduce it. Any households at high risk of energy hardship can be referred into the program and EnergyMate in-home coaches will you get the most out of your electricity. It might with energy-saving practices that can result in a reduced power bill leading to a warmer, drier, healthier home.
EnergyMate is available by referral, call Age Concern South Canterbury for more information.
Another service available through Age Concern is heaters which are funded by the Cosy Homes Trust. Contact us (phone 03 687 7581) or whatever agency you get social support from and we can look at providing you a new electric heater suitable for your needs.
