Subsidies for home insulation have run out after hundreds of Otago residents contacted the Cosy Homes Trust during the past week, to apply for the funding scheme.
The trust had funds available last week, to insulate about 130 more homes in Otago, but Cosy Homes Trust project manager Jordana Whyte said since a report appeared in the Otago Daily Times, she had been inundated with calls and the subsidies had run out.
"It's been overwhelming. At this time, we can't take any more inquiries.
"But we're so pleased the remaining subsidies could be used. I'm glad, because those subsidies would have gone to waste.''
Miss Whyte said about 80% to 85% of the subsidies were taken by retired residents across the region, and the remainder were mainly families with young children.
The scheme, run in partnership between the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, the Otago Community Trust, the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Regional Council, allows community services card holders to insulate their homes free of charge if they are over 65 or if there are children under 17 living in the home.
More than 700 Otago homes have been insulated since the programme began in 2013.
The scheme allows roofing insulation and underfloor insulation where accessible.
The Dunedin City Council estimated the city had more than 18,000 homes which were not warm or dry enough to keep people healthy and comfortable at reasonable cost.
The council contributed $62,500 to the scheme this financial year and the Otago Community Trust had made $500,000 available.
Miss Whyte said after June 30, the subsidy would change and funding would be available only to renters.
"It's for people in tenanted properties only, who have a community services card. It's a 50% subsidy from the Government and then the landlord has to contribute 50% to the cost.
"Details about how many subsidies will be available, will be announced sometime next month,'' she said.
