The Trust allocates a certain amount of funding for Energy Related Projects each year that includes:

• Projects to encourage energy efficiency and conservation.
• Projects to improve the energy “position/status” of the region and/or nation.

The Trust endeavours to partner with other entities to maximise the benefit of these projects. 

For 2010/2011, in addition to $150,000 for the Healthier Homes Programme, the Trust allocated funds for the following projects:

Schools Energy Audit Programme $10,000

Part of a multi-level project, this Stage 1 involves energy audits and benchmarking to assist schools to identify and make improvements in their energy use.  Initially a research project of approximately 10 schools, further Trust funding will be considered on evidence of strong uptake of the audit recommendations. 

Distributed Generation Demonstration Project $40,000

Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind turbines are generators.  When installed in the home environment these distributed generation (DG) technologies mean customers save on energy costs and have an opportunity to "sell" energy back into the grid.  The Trust has provided funding to WEL Networks to establish demonstration sites of these technologies so that people can see them actually working and learn more about them.

SWITCHit Trial $24,000

A first for New Zealand, the SWITCHit is a control device, for residential power sockets, which extends WEL Networks' ripple control system.  If offers an opportunity for WEL Networks' customers to reduce line charges as well as improve energy efficiency.  Approximately 200 units will be installed under the trial.

This project initially commenced in August 2004. The Retrofit or Healthier Homes project gives residents, that meet certain criteria, the opportunity to have their home fitted with ceiling insulation; under floor insulation, ground moisture barrier; hot water cylinder wraps; and door draught stopping.

A contribution from the homeowner of $112.50 or landlord of $562.50 is required prior to the work being undertaken.

Since the programme commenced, 1576 homes have benefitted and now live in a warmer, drier, and more energy efficient home.

184 homes were retroffitted in the 2009/2010 year. 

$150,000 has been allocated to the programme for the 2010/2011 year with a target of 160 homes.  Current funding partners are Hamilton City Council and DV Bryant Trust.

How to Apply:

Anyone answering "yes" to all of the following 5 questions can apply:

• Does someone in your household have a Community Services Card?
• Does someone in your household suffer from a medical issue which can be confirmed by a GP – e.g. asthma or respiratory problems – and which could possibly be helped by getting rid of draughts, mould, mildew and cold temperatures?
• Do you own your home OR has your landlord been made aware of the cost and agreed that you can apply to the programme?
• Was your house built prior to 2000?
• Is your house in the WEL Energy Trust area? See map here.

Apply in writing to:
Healthier Homes Project Manager
WEL Networks Ltd
PO Box 925
HAMILTON

For further information regarding this programme contact the Trust office on Phone: (07) 838 0093 or Email: admin@welenergytrust.co.nz

The Trust has funded a variety of energy efficiency initiatives in the past. These include:

• Cylinder Wrap Programme
  Hot water cylinder insulation to reduce heat loss and electricity consumption. The Trust received a highly commended award at the 2004 EnergyWise Awards for this project.
• Light Bulb Programme
  Energy efficient lighting programme to reduce peak demand electricity usage and provide energy and cost savings benefits to residents in the Trust's area.
• Fridge Replacement Programme
  Aimed at taking old inefficient fridges out of circulation.
• Heat Pump Programmes
  To encourage uptake of this energy efficient heating device.
• Solar Hot Water
  A pilot project for solar hot water installations in new homes.
• Smart Grid Trial
  A  pilot implemented by WEL Networks Ltd to facilitate research into the technology and applications associated with smart meters and smart grids.
• Healthier Homes Programme (still ongoing)
  Home insulation programme helping people in need or on low incomes who have health issues.