Organisations are being invited to apply to provide services such as energy audits to help low income people save energy and stay warm in their homes.

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Small Business and Cost of Living, Rebecca White, today announced the opening of the Stay Warm Save Money Housewarming Program, as part of the Tasmanian Government's commitment to provide cost of living relief to Tasmanians most in need.

"For people on low incomes it can be particularly hard to meet costs of everyday life, such as paying the rent and power bills," Ms White said.

"The Government is inviting organisations to put forward their ideas on providing practical support to help low income Tasmanians living in private housing to reduce their energy usage while still keeping their homes warm.

"Through the Stay Warm Save Money Housewarming Program,

$800 000 is available to deliver home energy audits and a range of energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits, along with education and a personalised power and water savings plan to low income home owners, private renters and community-based social housing properties not owned by the Government.

"Low cost upgrades and retrofits may include draught proofing of windows and doors, insulation of hot water pipes, installing water and power saving showerheads and installing energy efficient light globes."

Ms White said the Stay Warm Save Money Housewarming Program differs from other Government programs as larger upgrades will be considered, including the provision of curtains, floor rugs and insulation.

Ms White said the education provided by the program will help eligible householders understand how they can make changes to reduce their energy consumption and energy costs.

Survey results from Housing Tasmania's 100 Energy Champions program revealed that public housing tenants were able to save up to $300 on their energy bills as a result of the energy audits and minor upgrades.

Ms White said the Government recognises the need to connect and provide cost of living relief to low income Tasmanians in the private housing market.

"The State Government is providing $1.5 million over 2011-13 to increase emergency relief.

"Another $1 million is being distributed through the Food For All Tasmanians grants program to increase access to healthy, safe and affordable food," Ms White said.

"We have also provided $180 000 to the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) Network of Tasmania in order to help Tasmanians purchase energy efficient heaters and appliances.

"We have also spent $37 million to reduce power bills for all Tasmanians and provided $153 million for pensioner electricity concessions."

A request for proposals from suitably qualified organisations to undertake the home energy audits will be advertised in local Tasmanian newspapers and on the Government Purchasing Website on 25 August 2012.

Interested organisations can find more information about the Program on the Government's purchasing website at www.tenders.tas.gov.au/