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Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

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investigate other opportunities to support investment in renewable generation that is not<br />

connected to the main distribution network.<br />

Solar hot water heating<br />

New Zealand has abundant solar energy resources. Heating water can account for up to<br />

40% of a household‟s electricity bill, and three-quarters of water heating costs can be saved<br />

by installing a solar water heating system.<br />

<strong>Labour</strong> will continue to provide support for the installation of solar water heating<br />

systems in homes, and promote its installation in new houses.<br />

<strong>Labour</strong> will investigate the feasibility of installing solar water heating in public<br />

buildings (e.g. hospitals, schools and marae), and will encourage the commercial<br />

building sector to do so as well.<br />

<strong>Labour</strong> will work with Canterbury local authorities to ensure that solar water heating<br />

is widely used in the post-earthquake rebuilding of homes and commercial buildings.<br />

Energy efficiency<br />

New Zealand must transition to a fully sustainable energy system. The growth in energy use<br />

has been a significant factor in New Zealand‟s increased greenhouse gas emissions since<br />

1990. By increasing the amount of electricity generated from renewable resources, we can<br />

decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.<br />

By improving energy efficiency, we can decrease electricity demand. <strong>Labour</strong> is committed to<br />

energy efficiency and conservation so that less electricity is wasted. In particular, we must<br />

invest in improved energy efficiency where this is cheaper than the cost of generating extra<br />

energy or building extra energy infrastructure.<br />

The Electricity Authority regulates the electricity industry, in place of the former Electricity<br />

Commission. However, National removed the previous energy efficiency objective. <strong>Labour</strong><br />

will reinstate it.<br />

<strong>Labour</strong> will ensure that New Zealand invests in improved energy efficiency where this<br />

is cheaper than the cost of generating extra energy or building extra energy<br />

infrastructure.<br />

<strong>Labour</strong> will entrench the energy efficiency principle in all sectors, and in the<br />

objectives of the Electricity Authority.<br />

Energy efficiency at home<br />

<strong>Labour</strong> will promote home insulation measures, such as retrofitting existing homes with<br />

ceiling and underfloor insulation. This both improves household energy efficiency and<br />

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