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.   To see testimonials regarding these projects click here.

For 2012/2013, in addition to $150,000 for the Healthier Homes Programme, the Trust has allocated $100,000 for other initiatives that the Trust may wish to become involved with but have yet to be identified.

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.

This work is subsidised, with the only cost to the homeowner being a contribution of $100 plus GST.  In the case of a tenanted property, the landlord is required to contribute $500 plus GST prior to the work being undertaken.

Since the programme commenced, 2012 homes have been retrofitted and their occupants now live in a warmer, drier and more energy efficient home.

167 homes were retrofitted in the 2011/2012 year. 

$150,000 has been allocated to the programme for the 2012/2013 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 Programme
To encourage uptake of this energy efficient heating device.

Clean Air/Clean Heat Programme
A second phase to the retrofit programme, designed to assist with upgrading inefficient heating devices with energy efficient solutions.

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.

Distributed Generation Demonstration Project
The Trust provided funding to WEL Networks to establish demonstration sites of photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines as generators.  PV panels were installed at The Greenspace, Hamilton and Raglan Community House.  A wind turbine was installed at Raglan Area School.

SWITCHit Trial
A control device for residential power sockets which extended WEL Networks' ripple control system, the SWITCHit trial offered WEL Networks customers an opportunity to reduce lines charges as well as improve energy efficiency. 

Schools Energy Audit Programme
This project involves energy audits and benchmarking to assist schools to identify and make improvements in their energy use.

Eco Village Project (ongoing)
A research and business collaboration project that aims to research and implement strategies in a controlled environment that flatten household power consumption.  At the Eco Village, technologies such as smart appliances and smart devices will be utilised and the house residents will be provided with options on how to manage their energy consumption.  The results of behaviour changes will be monitored.  Wintec and WEL Networks are partners in this project.

Healthier Homes Programme (still ongoing)
Home insulation programme helping people in need or on low incomes who have health issues.