By Martin Vedris

CENTRAL COAST, NSW: EnergyAustralia and Fisher & Paykel’s successful FridgeAssist program has provided more than 100 new fridges to Central Coast households, making a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing local energy bills.

The pilot program was created to assist low-income families in the area afford new energy efficient fridges. Families receive a new energy efficient Fisher & Paykel fridge at up to half the normal price and get their old energy guzzling fridge taken away and scrapped.

“By replacing 100 old fridges with energy efficient alternatives, Central Coast households will cut total greenhouse gas emissions by more than 95,000 kilograms a year and will slash running costs by approximately $11,000 a year,” said NSW Minister for Energy, Ian Macdonald.

The McNeill-Burton family, of Gorokan, is the latest household to receive their new energy efficient fridge. A delighted Stacy McNeill said: “I feel happier knowing my fridge works efficiently and that my fruit and vegies will last longer plus we’re helping the environment by reducing our CO2 emissions. FridgeAssist will help reduce the family’s food bill and no doubt we’ll get a pleasant surprise when the next electricity bill arrives.”

According to Macdonald, the savings and the benefits add up.

“By choosing a fridge with a 4.5 star energy efficiency rating, the McNeill-Burtons will save $145 a year on its running costs and reduce their CO2 emissions by approximately 1,200 kilograms a year,” said Mr. Macdonald.

The program has been successful and rewarding for Fisher & Paykel.

“We‘re thrilled with the FridgeAssist’s success to-date,” said Peter Russell, National Marketing Manager, Fisher & Paykel. “Fisher and Paykel is pleased to be involved and offer its support to the local community and environment.”