I don;t get it!. Why on earth is the government promoting warmer, healthier and happier homes when those low income earners that do qualify for the subsidy can't afford to pay for extra power costs needed in order to use the dam heat pumps in the first place, let alone the $280 trailer load of fire wood if a wood burner is acquired. Its also great to hear that the government has funded for those of whom live in HZNZ properties and allowing tenants a choice of either a heat pump or wood burner. However, many of these tenants whom have chosen a heat pump have found there power bill has risen by an average $100 per month! Lucky for those tenants who have chosen a wood burner and have access to free firewood. These tenants can barely afford to put food on their kitchen tables let alone pay out for extra costs on heating. If the government wants to promote healthier homes then there should be something put in place to allow for extra costing to actually pay for the heating that is entering the new resource systems being provided within their homes.

I had my house insulation installed last year by Energy Options who provided ceiling insulation laid over the Batts I put in about 30 years ago. Underfloor insulation plus polythene sheet on the ground to keep soil moisture when it belongs- in the ground. Cost = Nil

I and my wife are both old , clapped out etc. types and very happy with the deal we got Got a heat pump installed 11 years ago when the Kent fire wore out. Now very snug and warm.

The Government insulation scheme is obviously a worth while project but only addresses one part of the problem. Air leakage in our homes can waste just as much or more heat as the lose through no insulation. Incorrect and uneducated use of most heating appliances can significantly increase your heating bill. To say that we will be better of and have lower power bills is a bit misleading without some way of measuring the difference. I have seen previous Government insulation jobs at friend’s homes and have not been impressed with the quality so I cannot see how they could have saved anything. The Government scheme also does not allow in its pricing insulation jobs that have a level of difficulty or time consuming so it is important to ask your local provider why they can’t do it and then seek independent advice and call the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to clarify the issue. If we are to go forward as a nation and demand better quality and performance from Government backed schemes then we need to seek professional and scientific advice as to what’s on offer before making our decision.

The government subsidy scheme doesn't work because of greed. Instead of being content with making good money from a scheme like this, there will inevitably be companies that will see this as an opportunity to hike their prices to make the discounted prices look attractive, thereby making even MORE money. We were quoted a figure to insulate our house which, after the subsidy, was higher than other companies quoted us before this scheme was ever mooted.

Gov. subsidys are great but for many low income earners no spare cash is available for any home improvments at all, its a battle to survive in such an unbalanced economy that NZ has . For those on low & middle incomes the insulation of homes should be carried out by gov. workers or contractors free of any charge up front . Then a small levy could be applied to there electricity bill which should be covered by power saved . once the cost of the insulation is payed for the consumer would then enjoy lower energy costs .

I think the Government subsidy for insulation is a good idea, but just like most Government initiatives, the implementation is bad. It’s a shame the Government doesn’t allow you to choose your own provider for insulation and heating. For example: The approved Government agencies for assessing and providing clean heating such as heat pumps, pretty much charge you the premium for a heat pump (Because they can-people have no other choice). But If I went to a place like Harvey Norman or Bond and Bond, I could get the same product for a cheaper price, and that’s without the subsidy. I could even take advantage of the sales they currently have and save even more, making it even more affordable. But No, we can't do that.

It’s a shame we don’t have a choice. As a result I suspect most people won’t take up the offer for getting heating installed because it’s so expensive getting it from the governments approved providers, even with the subsidy. However, it’s probably the Governments intention to do this, the less people who actually take up the offer, the less they have to pay out in grants.

I wish the rules for getting a grant for clean heating and insulation were as ‘Loose’ as the Government MP’s rules for claiming expenses.

Citing the government subsidy, Tararua council has withdrawn support for Tararua healthy homes; our quote for insulation has gone from $300 to $1800. I doubt we will be insulating any time soon, despite the frequent ice on the INSIDE of our house. I hope Nathan Brown does find the $10,000 needed to continue insulation subsidies for low income households, without extra subsidies many will continue to be out in the cold.