The National Party is promising to introduce a Home Energy Fund to allocate low-interest, long-term loans to encourage households to switch to solar power.
It would be repaid through rates, "so households can invest in solar, batteries, insulation and other energy resilience measures without the large upfront costs", energy spokesperson Simeon Brown said.
"It also means a stronger, more resilient energy system that gives New Zealanders access to a wider and more reliable mix of power when weather events or global shocks put pressure on supply."
National's local government spokesperson Simon Watts said the fund would allocate low-interest loans, secured against their property, "without the big upfront cost and instead pay it off through their rates over time as they save on power bills".
Upgrades would include rooftop solar and batteries, heat pumps, insulation and efficient electric appliances.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) welcomed the policy proposal.
Inspired by the local government-led Ratepayer Assistance Scheme (RAS), LGNZ chief executive Scott Necklen said the proposal; "shows the potential for local government to deliver ratepayers meaningful solutions when
"The RAS also has the potential to help ratepayers manage upfront council charges like rates and development contributions/levies by converting them into affordable payments over a longer period of time."
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