WIREDGOV

Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Natural Resources, has yesterday hailed Welsh Government energy efficiency programmes, Nest and Arbed as flagship examples of how clever investment is having a real and lasting impact on communities whilst at the same time boosting the wider economy in Wales.

Speaking ahead of the NEA conference on fuel poverty the Minister said that during 2013/14 alone improvements were made to over 9,000 homes through the Welsh Government schemes, giving each household estimated savings of up to £500 a year on their energy bills. In addition they are creating jobs, apprenticeships and partnerships across Wales, resulting in an impressive return for the Welsh economy.

Ahead of the conference the Minister also visited ARBED Phase 2 in Caerau, Cardiff where the scheme is transforming the community. In total, 285 homes will benefit from improvements such as new boilers, insulation and heating controls. As part of the scheme, residents will also receive energy saving advice.

Carl Sargeant said:

“This Caerau project is delivering an estimated return to the Welsh economy of £2 for every £1 invested – and this is just one of 32 Arbed 2 schemes across Wales. This has been achieved through the creation of apprenticeships, through supplier partnerships in the shared apprentice scheme, and through collaboration across the whole supply chain and is a flagship example of the wider effects of clever investment.”

“The savings being made through schemes such as Nest and Arbed will make a real difference to low income households, whether in heating their home for longer or in increasing their disposal income for other essentials. A real success story for Arbed is the value for money that the scheme delivers.”   

The Minister added that during 2014/15 the Welsh Government will invest £70 million in energy efficiency.

He said:

“Unlike the UK Government, which ended its grant funded support for home energy efficiency improvements, the Welsh Government has not just maintained its energy efficiency and fuel poverty budgets, but has significantly increased those budgets, despite wider cuts to government funding.

“The most direct action we can take to reduce peoples’ energy bills is to improve the energy efficiency of their home which we will continue to do through our programmes.”