EECA seeks feedback on energy levies

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is seeking feedback on its proposed energy levy-funded activities for the 2020/21 year.

EECA receives part of its funding from levies collected from the road transport fuel, electricity and gas sectors.

The levy funding will help EECA continue its work to improve the energy productivity, and reduce the carbon intensity, of New Zealand’s economy, EECA chief executive Andrew Caseley says.

“About 41% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from our use of energy; the way we drive, make products, keep our homes warm, and the energy efficiency of our appliances, all have an impact.”

Caseley says EECA’s core activities in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use are key to reducing energy costs for consumers, as well as energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

“We’ve got big opportunities, particularly in the transport and business sectors, to use less energy and switch to cleaner energy sources. EECA estimates households and business could use between 15 and 20% less energy through energy efficiency by 2030.”

For the 2020/21 year, EECA is consulting on a total of $14.3 million from these levies – Petroleum or Engine Fuel Monitoring (PEFM) levy, $7.5m (52%); Electricity industry levy, $5.5m (39%); Gas Safety, Monitoring and Energy Efficiency (GSMEE) levy; $1.3m (9%).

Co-investment will help reduce the financial barriers of investment in low emission technologies and practices such as the EECA administered low emission vehicles contestable fund, technology demonstration projects, energy audits and low-emission transition plans, Caseley says.

It will also help motivate people to make clean and clever energy choices, such as an EV information campaign, and help to prevent inefficient products and appliances being sold in New Zealand.

Consultation closes on December 13. Email levyconsultation@eeca.govt.nz, write to EECA, 44 The Terrace, Wellington, or visit here

to make a submission.

Click here

to view EECA’s 2020/21 Energy Levies Consultation Document.