Budget 2022: Greens welcome winter energy support and funding for community energy

New cost of living payment closely aligned to Green Party policy to expand the Winter Energy Payment
Extension and improvement of Warmer Kiwi Homes builds on Green Party progress in Government
Community energy fund welcomed

The Green Party welcomes the investment in Budget 2022 to expand Warmer Kiwi Homes, support people through the winter, and fund communities to generate their own renewable energy.

“Expanding the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme has been a long-standing commitment of the Green Party. The progress made in Budget 2022 is a clear example of the difference we are making in Government and Parliament,” Green Party spokesperson for energy Julie Anne Genter says.

“Everyone in New Zealand should have a warm, dry, affordable place to call home.

“We are pleased that Budget 2022 picks up on Green Party ideas to improve eligibility criteria and expand what can be funded by the scheme.

“In 2020, the Green Party campaigned on a commitment to extend Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidies. The scheme was then expanded last year to reach an additional 47,700 homes.

“We’re delighted that Budget 2022 continues to build on the foundations we have laid.

“The story of the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme can be traced back to 2009 when former Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons won an agreement from the National Government to insulate up to 180,000 homes.

“A long-standing policy of the Green Party, we are proud we have been able to grow and improve Warmer Kiwi Homes over the last four and half years..

“The new, temporary and target cost of living payment is also similar to the Green Party’s original policy to extend the Winter Energy Payment so it benefits more people.

“However, far too many people in New Zealand are struggling to pay their energy bills all year round. It would be far simpler to bring together all the different pots of money in the Budget, including the new cost of living payment, and provide it to people as income support. We also know that people currently receiving the Winter Energy Payment are still doing it tough, and would prefer to see income top-ups for this group as well.

“We are also pleased to see the Government investing $16 million to support renewable and affordable energy in New Zealand communities.

“Community renewable energy projects bring more than just clean power and heat – they create more jobs, help create more resilient local economies and energy systems, and reduce carbon emissions,” Julie Anne Genter says.

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