Almost 4000 homes in the Bay of Plenty were insulated in the year to June through the Government's subsidy scheme.
The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme involves retrofitting houses with good quality insulation and clean heating.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said many of the 3871 homes fitted in the Bay
in the year to June were in Tauranga. In June this year, more than 893 homes were retrofitted in the region.
"Many providers registered under the scheme have hired new staff to cope with the demand, while insulation manufacturers have increased production. I've met recently with providers locally. They are still busy. "
Mr Bridges urged people who had not yet taken up the scheme to contact the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). "Many of our residents will have felt the benefits of this now that winter is well and truly on us," Mr Bridges said.
The scheme includes under-floor insulation, ceiling insulation, and clean heating such as heat pumps. Anyone who has a home built before the year 2000 is eligible for 33 per cent off the cost of installing ceiling and under-floor insulation up to a maximum of $1300. Community Service Card holders can get 60 per cent off the cost of installing insulation.
The Government is spending $347 million over four years to retrofit at least 188,000 homes.
