As we move into the colder months, many older people are worried about the costs of heating their homes, particularly as energy costs remain high. There is advice and financial help available, but it can be confusing to know where to look. We’ve put together a summary of the support available to Powys residents.

Grants to improve your home’s energy efficiency

NEST

The Welsh Government funded NEST scheme offers a range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, solar panels or a heat pump. This can lower your energy bills and benefit your health and wellbeing. 

Contact:  0808 808 2244 (freephone)                     www.nest.gov.wales

Powys Energy Saving Scheme (ECO4 Flex)

The Scheme is available to qualifying Powys residents and offers funding for energy efficiency improvements with a ‘whole house’ approach to improving your property. The scheme is funded almost in its entirety by the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which is a government energy efficiency scheme administered by OFGEM. ECO4 will be a four-year scheme running from April 1st, 2022, to March 31st, 2026. Where available, Powys County Council have also made funding available to contribute toward energy efficiency elements which are not funded by ECO4 in the form of a small grant and/or interest free loans.

Contact: 01656 747 622                 https://www.warmwales.org.uk/powys-energy-saving-scheme-2/

Advice Services

Age Cymru Powys

Age Cymru Powys offer a free Home Energy Check service offering advice and practical support to improve the energy efficiency of your home and stay warm and well, this could include fitting draught excluders and radiator reflector panels.

Contact: 01686 623707                   https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/powys/

Citizens Advice Powys

Citizens Advice Powys offer advice and support if you are struggling to pay your energy bills, eg negotiate with suppliers on your behalf if you  have energy debts or checking your energy bills for errors.

Contact: 0345 6018421                  https://www.powyscitizensadvice.org.uk/

Severn Wye Advocacy Services

Severn Wye offer free, personal home energy advice and support through a team of dedicated energy advocates. For anybody struggling to pay their energy bills or keep their home warm, advocates can offer fuel debt support, advice about their energy bills, information about heating and insulation grants and support with switching energy supplier.

Contact: https://severnwye.org.uk/