Several households have applied for the new Cozy Caron scheme following several engagement events which were recently held in Tregaron, Bontrhydfendigaid, Ysbyty Ystwyth and Pontrhydygroes, Llanfair Clydogau, Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho.
The scheme is available for eligible households living in Tregaron and the rural villages surrounding the town to have a new central heating system installed. Eligible households are ones that do not have an existing central heating system installed in their homes, live in energy inefficient properties and are on a low income.
Tregaron is a deeply rural community with several of the neighbouring villages reliant on the town for resources. Due to its rurality, the gas network does not reach this community. Residents living in this area have to rely on more expensive types of fuel, e.g. solid fuel, oil, or LPG gas, to heat their homes. Coupled with this, the vast majority of the properties have been built with little or no insulation resulting in heat escaping through the roof, walls and windows, resulting in high fuel costs.
This scheme is funded through the £150m Warm Homes Fund; a national fund established by National Grid and administered by Community Interest Company, Affordable Warmth Solutions. The funding was secured by Ceredigion County Council’s Housing section through a competitive bidding process. City Energy will be working closely with Ceredigion County Council to deliver this scheme on their behalf.
Councillor Dafydd Edwards, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing said, “With fuel costs rising, this scheme is aimed at households who are finding it difficult to meet their fuel costs in order to heat their homes adequately. Adequately heating the home is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of all members of the family.”
The council have teamed up with Ceredigion Citizens Advice so that experienced benefits and energy advisers from Citizens Advice can give one-to-one support to householders and help to access funding or income maximisation alongside practical help with energy use and achieving a warmer home. Citizens Advice launched a new project in November 2018, which is also funded through the Warm Homes Fund. The project, ‘Warm Homes Ceredigion’, delivers advice and support to local people who may be at risk of not being able to heat their homes.
Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said “We are excited about this investment from National Grid and are delighted to support Ceredigion County Council to fund the scheme to address fuel poverty across the area. Solving the issues associated with Fuel Poverty continues to challenge many of our stakeholders and the feedback we’ve already received provides evidence of how the Warm Homes Fund will make a positive difference to thousands of homes throughout Great Britain.”
Anyone interested in the new central heating system, or to find out more about the scheme, feel free to call the Housing Section on 01545 572 185 or e-mail Housing@ceredigion.gov.uk.
For more information on the Energy Efficiency and Maximising Income Advice or booking an appointment for the Warm Homes Ceredigion for one-to-one advice call Ceredigion Citizens Advice on 01239 621974 and ask for William or Bronwen.
25/06/2019