Making the Most of EECA Support
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is a government agency that helps New Zealand homes and businesses use energy more wisely and transition to renewable energy. As part of your energy journey, understanding what EECA offers — and how to access it — can make a significant difference to the economics of your project.
This page is a guide to get you oriented. EECA's programmes, funding rounds, and eligibility criteria change over time, so always check directly at eeca.govt.nz for the most current information.
Home Owners
EECA provides free tools and, through various partner programmes, support for residential energy improvements:
- GenLess.govt.nz: A free online tool to help homeowners assess whether solar is right for their property and estimate potential savings
- Energywise.govt.nz: Plain-English guidance on home energy efficiency, heating, insulation, and switching to renewable energy
- Warmer Kiwi Homes: Government co-funding for insulation and heating in eligible homes — check if your home qualifies
Business Owners
EECA Business is the primary portal for businesses.
Key support includes:
- Energy audits and assessments: co-funding may be available to help cover the cost of a professional energy audit
- Feasibility studies: co-funding for studies to assess the viability of major energy transitions (such as switching from gas to electric process heat)
- Capital project co-funding: grants to help fund qualifying energy efficiency and fuel-switching projects
- Energy benchmarking tools: free online tools to compare your energy use against similar businesses
Applying for EECA business funding typically requires:
Audit / Feasability
An independent energy audit or feasibility study (this is why Step 1 — getting an advisor — matters)
Project Plan
A clear project description and budget
Evidence of Savings
Evidence of the energy savings or emissions reductions the project will deliver
Talk to EECA before you finalise your project design. Some funding programmes have specific eligibility rules that can affect which technologies or approaches qualify. Getting advice early can save you from designing around assumptions that turn out to be wrong.
The DETA programme
Unison partners with the Deta programme (Sustainable Action for a Better Tomorrow) to support businesses in our regions on their energy and sustainability journey. Deta provides practical, on-the-ground support and can help connect you with the right resources — including EECA.
