New Energy Efficiency Program Will Help Householders

The Brotherhood of St Laurence welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement today of the Low Income Household Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) designed to trial new ways to improve energy efficiency in low income households.

Many low income households have the potential to reduce their energy usage and energy bills by over 25% by implementing readily available energy efficiency measures,”(1) said Tony Nicholson, Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, a national welfare agency.

“However, many low income households simply don’t have the up-front cash to put in place the key energy efficiency measures. As a result they get locked into inefficient homes and using old inefficient appliances. It costs them more every power bill,” said Mr Nicholson.

“Low income households are also most impacted by rising energy prices, as they spend more of their income on energy bills than do wealthier households,” he said.

“This program can play an important role in helping households improve their energy efficiency and reduce their power bills,” Mr Nicholson said.

John Thwaites, Chairperson of the Equity in Response to Climate Change Program at the Brotherhood of St Laurence, said: “Importantly, this new program provides an opportunity to trial new approaches that move beyond giving out free light globes and showerheads. We would like to see new measures that deal with the bigger issues like replacing old inefficient hot water systems, and helping households upgrade their refrigerator or heating system.

“We will also be looking to the National Energy Savings Initiative, which requires energy companies to reduce the energy usage of the households and businesses they work with; to assist with the uptake of energy efficiency at scale in low income households,” Mr Thwaites said.

http://www.bsl.org.au/Media-centre/Media-Releases?id=976 

Victorians are going to face increasing electricity and gas costs in the New Year.

Fixed supply charges, incurred before a single switch is turned on, will rise by up to 34 percent and hit more than $400 for some homes from the 1st January.....

For more information please visit the following links from the Herald Sun:    

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/victorians-wont-escape-power-hit/story-fn7x8me2-1226211716543  &

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/origin-raises-electricity-and-gas-prices/story-fn7x8me2-1226210620211

As of 10th July 2011 

The Brotherhood of St Laurence today welcomed the announcement of the ‘Supporting Australian Households’ package which accompanied Prime Minister Gillard’s launch of Australia’s ‘Clean Energy Future’. Brotherhood Executive Director, Tony Nicholson says:

‘It is reassuring that the Government recognised that prioritising vulnerable households is essential at this crucial time.  Most low-income and disadvantaged households will have over 120% of their additional costs met through an increase in welfare payments and changes to the taxation system.

“In particular we welcome the increase in the tax-free threshold to $18,000. This will bring relief to many low-income households and increase incentives to participate in the paid workforce.

‘Households struggling to make ends meets should be assured that the carbon price won’t have an impact on their budget. The measures are comprehensive for pensioners and families. The government will need to keep a close eye on the price impacts and particularly for single people whose sole income is Newstart Allowance. 

‘Support for energy efficiency programs targeting low-income households, and the development of the National Energy Savings Initiative, also announced as part of the package, are most welcome.

‘Energy efficiency remains the best way to assist households cope with rising energy prices that are increasing irrespective of a carbon price. Our experience tells us that low-income households are in particular need of support because they often lack the upfront cash to improve the efficiency of their homes and appliances.

‘High energy using low-income households will particularly benefit from the energy efficiency measures.

‘We look forward to working with the government over the next 12 months to ensure the National Energy Savings Initiative and other energy efficiency measures maximise the benefits for low income and vulnerable households’.