Energy efficiency retrofits are underway in the Gove region, NT, as part of the Manymak Energy Efficiency Project, according to Power and Water project manager Sam Latz.
“The Manymak project is funded through the Australian Government’s Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) and it provides for a range of relevant energy efficiency retrofits for homes of Yolngu people in East Arnhem Land,” Mr Latz said.
“These retrofits include oven timers, solar and heat pump hot water systems, and ceiling insulation, and are currently being installed in Yirrkala and Gunyangara.”
“The hot water upgrades could reduce energy costs by around $30 per week for the typical busy household and the ceiling insulation can help save $7 per week during the wet season.”
“For example, for a busy East Arnhem Yolngu household with nine people using hot water regularly, an electric hot water system could cost up to $45 a week. Replacing this with an equivalent solar or heat pump hot water system means costs are reduced to around $11. That’s a potential saving of $1700 a year.”
“Oven timers have already been installed in six new homes in Gunyangara and are designed to help busy households control how long stove tops and ovens are left on,” Mr Latz said.
A total of 440 homes in East Arnhem Land will receive energy saving upgrades through the project over the next 12 months.
The first set of installations is being carried out by Gove-based contractors, who will be secured and project managed through the Gove office of the NT Department of Infrastructure on behalf of the project partners.
Manymak Energy Efficiency Project is also known as “Dharray Manymakkung Pawaw ga Gapuw”, a phrase in the Yolngu Matha language meaning “looking after our power and our water”.
The project partners are Power and Water Corporation, Bushlight, Charles Darwin University, NT Department of Housing, and East Arnhem Regional Council.
