In her electorate, 70% of people over the age of 15 earned less than $40,000 and more than 40,000 houses in Dunedin needed better insulation and heating.
Her concern lay with those on low incomes in rental properties, who were not as educated or as media-aware as others who would be quick to access the scheme.
"I am concerned that the first-in first-served approach to the current home insulation system will leave those with the greatest need out in the cold."
Ms Curran would like to see the new scheme means tested, as was the previous scheme introduced under the Labour government, and be advertised to increase awareness of those in lower socio-economic areas.
She wanted National to commit to funding the scheme beyond the four years already guaranteed, as she was unsure how long it would last and how many homes it would benefit.
However, Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee believed people on low incomes were "miles better off" under the new scheme.
Community Services Card holders, and landlords of holders, would receive a grant of 60% of insulation installation and up to $1200 for clean heating.
