Green Start A Welcome Relief In A Sizzling Summer

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25th November 2009, 02:45pm - Views: 753





People Feature Brotherhood Of St Laurence 1 image

People Feature Brotherhood Of St Laurence 2 image





MEDIA RELEASE



Wednesday, 25 November, 2009



For immediate release



New Green Start energy efficiency program for low income households 

a welcome relief in a sizzling summer


The Brotherhood of St Laurence welcomes the Commonwealth’s new Green Start program

which will finance energy efficiency improvements in low income households.


Brotherhood Executive Director, Tony Nicholson said the announcement was good news.



“Energy efficiency provides an essential buffer for low income and disadvantaged

households to reduce the impact of rising energy prices,” he said.


“Energy prices are rising sharply in all States and will continue to rise with the impact

of the CPRS, drought and other pricing pressures.”


Research conducted by KPMG and the Brotherhood of St Laurence found that a $2000

package of energy efficiency measures including a home visit, insulation and sealing cracks,

could save a high energy using low income household between $313 and $470 per annum.


“Energy efficiency for low income households is a fantastic investment – it saves money and

provides them with a healthier and more comfortable home,” Mr Nicholson said.


“Energy efficiency enables householders to stay cooler in hot summers and warmer in cool

winters, without having to increase their energy usage,” he said.


John Thwaites, Chairperson of the Brotherhood of St Laurence Equity in Response to

Climate Change program and former Deputy Premier of Victoria said Green Start addressed

a real need.


“Energy efficiency is the best long term protection against rising energy prices. It’s a win for

consumers and the environment,” he said.


“Low income households need special assistance.


“They are less likely to take up traditional rebate programs because they cannot afford the

up-front capital costs,” Mr Thwaites said.


Green Start brings together the key elements for successful home energy efficiency.”



Home visits, or audits, are essential because they enable households to make informed

decisions about the best possible energy savings methods for them. Home visits also

provide the first step in energy education and behaviour change programs. 


“The focus on community sector participation is particularly welcome,’’ Mr Nicholson said. 


“Community sector organisations have considerable skills in this area and work closely with

the target communities – Kildonan UnitingCare, Moreland Energy Foundation, Mission

Australia and the Brotherhood of St Laurence are just a few of the community sector

organisations who provide energy advice and services in Victoria.”






Media queries: Contact Grahame Whyte on 0410 221 574 to arrange an interview

with John Thwaites. 














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