Ecobulb backs Grey Power’s call to strengthen Warmer Kiwi Homesand include hot water heat pumps
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Media Statement from Ecobulb Limited February 13, 2026
Ecobulb is backing Grey Power’s call for increased funding for the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme — and for the scheme to be expanded to include hot water heat pumps.
“Grey Power President Gayle Chambers’ comments on Breakfast TV were right on the money,” says Dr Chris Mardon, managing director of energy efficiency company Ecobulb.
Electricity prices are forecast to rise a further 5 percent this year, after increasing 12 percent last year.
“Grey Power has highlighted that another 5 percent increase is unaffordable for many seniors, with some reducing power consumption by turning off heaters during winter,” says Dr Mardon. “They highlight that one practical solution is for Government to strengthen the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, which supports household heating, insulation and energy efficiency upgrades.”
Run by EECA, Warmer Kiwi Homes currently provides around $85 million per year in support.
However, it was scaled back in the 2024 Budget, with EECA not progressing approximately $100 million in planned funding for hot water heating, low-cost energy efficiency measures, community outreach, and efficient lighting.
“The reduction in funding has meant fewer seniors can access support at a time when power prices are climbing,” says Dr Mardon. “Now is the time to restore full funding to EECA and expand the programme’s reach.”
Warmer Kiwi Homes covers 50–90 percent of the cost of approved insulation and up to 90 percent of approved heaters. Seniors with SuperGold Combo cards, or those living in lower- to middle-income areas, are eligible for grants.
Ecobulb and Grey Power are also calling for the programme to be extended to include hot water heat pumps, which are currently not eligible for support. Hot water heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it directly, making them significantly more efficient than conventional electric water cylinders.
“They can reduce energy use for water heating by up to 75 percent,” says Dr Mardon. “That
translates into thousands of dollars in savings over the life of the system, with many households able to recover the higher upfront cost within just a few years.”
He says broadening access to efficient technologies such as hot water heat pumps would reduce emissions, modernise New Zealand’s residential energy systems, and lower long-term costs for Kiwi households.
“Supporting energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to protect
vulnerable households from rising power prices.”
About Ecobulb
Ecobulb is an award-winning Christchurch-based energy efficiency company specialising in
residential heat pump water heaters and commercial LED lighting. With more than 25 million
energy-saving products delivered to 3.4 million homes and businesses, Ecobulb is 64 percent of the way toward its mission: saving enough electricity to power New Zealand for an entire year.
Media contact:
Dr Chris Mardon
021 041 2981
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