Lower your energy use and save
Electricity powers so much of our daily lives, from keeping our homes warm and cosy to lighting, appliances, and devices. With such a big part of our routines relying on electricity, it's worth thinking about how we can save some power at home. While energy-efficient appliances are fantastic for cutting down on energy use, you don't have to stop there. By adopting a few simple habits, you have a big impact on your power bill. We've compiled a list of easy power-saving tips that you can put into practice today. Remember, even small changes can help make your home drier and more energy efficient. Ready to make a difference?
Check out our latest giveaway around energy efficiency in your home.
Terms and Conditions can be found in the Supporting documents.
Supporting documents
Digital seniors
Digital Seniors, who provide free technical support to upskill and empower seniors, have used the Powerco Community Fund to help establish rural hubs in Wairarapa, expanding their reach to isolated seniors who currently lack access to their services. As the world increasingly becomes more digitised, improved digital capability can lead to greater independence and improved access to services and social activity.
Booktown
From speakers to performers and workshops to book signings, the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival has something for everyone. Bringing people together over a shared love of books and stories, the festival connects readers to authors and storywriters to storytellers. More than a series of literary events, festival organisers hope to get more people reading, writing and telling their stories to build community and connection, which is a sentiment we can really get behind.
Knitting for cool kids
This keen group of knitters create beanies, slippers, scarves and mitten for new entrant pupils at low decile schools throughout Taranaki, to help keep tamariki warm during winter.
The Old Library, Omokoroa
The old library is a volunteer-run, community-led project providing a place for creative display and social connection.
Our funding enabled them to upgrade their heating system to ensure the community groups utilising the space would be comfortable year round.
How to heat your home to a healthy temperature
The World Health Organization suggests to keep your home cozy it needs to be at least 18°C. If you have young children, elderly family members, or anyone who’s unwell, aim for around 20°C for extra comfort and warmth. Staying warm helps everyone stay healthier!
How to stop drafts and keep heat inside your home
When the temperature drops outside, your home's warmth can easily slip out through the windows, leading to a chillier home and higher heating bills. To help you retain heat and stay cosy, here are some friendly tips to stop drafts and keep your home warm.
How to use your heat pump
Heating is one of the largest energy users in the average Kiwi home – making up around a third of your energy bill. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can help reduce your heating
costs, but using them properly is key. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your heat pump.
Make your home less damp from the inside
Excess moisture and mould can lead to health problems such as colds, flu, and breathing difficulties, particularly for young children and the elderly. Maintaining a dry home is essential. Here are some helpful tips to minimise dampness in your home.
Reduce dampness in your home from the outside
Moisture can enter your home from external sources like water leaks and ground humidity. Controlling this is vital since dampness and mould pose health risks, such as increased colds, flu, and worsened asthma and allergies. Learn more about how to manage dampness from the outside of your home.
Our partnerships to deliver warmer and healthier homes
Waitara Initiatives Supporting Employment Trust (WISE) is a charitable trust based in Taranaki, delivering initiatives that include energy saving advice and a healthy home program.
Whaiora offers a wide range of health and social services to the Wairarapa community, delivering a range of initiatives including energy saving workshops for your home.
Sustainability Options work for the benefit of others with compassion and generosity.
We provide free sustainable living advice in the Bay of Plenty region.