Aberdare residents are being reminded of an important new scheme that offers them FREE energy and money-saving home insulation measures.
The scheme is open to everyone living in the Aberdare East and West and Penywaun wards, as well as the former Blaengwawr ward, which now forms part of Aberaman North.
It offers the free installation of loft and cavity wall insulation to all households, regardless of income or employment status, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Unfortunately, communication issues with private sector partners at the launch of the scheme meant some residents did make contact to take up the offer, but were informed it was not yet running, or that they were not eligible.
However, the Council is keen to stress the scheme is now running and is open to all households, regardless of income, living within the area.
The scheme forms part of the wider investment in Aberdare and surrounding wards to create a Low Carbon Town.
This work has already seen significant investment in social housing to ensure it is of high-quality, sustainable, environmentally-friendly and attractive. This includes an ongoing programme in Penywaun and the installation of measures at Blaengwawr Primary School.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is working with the Mark Group to deliver the scheme in Aberdare. The Mark Group has, in turn, employed Nationwide Energy Services to staff the contact centre for customers.
Residents are warned to be wary of other organisations contacting them to charge for home insulation measures when these are available for free under the Council endorsed scheme. As such, they are being advised to exercise caution and to check whether they are entitled to assistance for free before entering into any contractual arrangements or parting with any money.
Cllr Clayton Willis, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, said: “The securing of this investment from the Heads of the Valleys has enabled us to offer an important opportunity for residents living in Aberdare East and West, Penywaun and parts of Aberaman North.
“Offering free insulation allows residents, regardless of personal circumstances, to insulate their homes to reduce energy usage and the cost of fuel, which is crucial in the current climate.
“We are aware there has been some confusion resulting from communication issues within our partners, but we wish to make it clear that the scheme is running and is open to all residents living in the identified area and urge those who have called who feel they may be eligible to ring again.
“This scheme is specific to the Aberdare Low Carbon Town area, but the Council has a range of options, offering free and discounted insulation measures, to residents across the County Borough.
“We are aware of other firms cold-calling households in a bid to sell insulation and we are urging people interested in such measures to make contact with us first, to see what we can offer. We would urge people to heed the standard advice about being cautious with ‘cold callers’ and not parting with money or entering any binding agreement unless they know exactly what this involves and whether, as in this case, they may be able to get the same service cheaper or for free.”
People interested in taking advantage of the free insulation offer must live in the wards of Aberdare East, West, Penywaun or the identified section of Aberaman North. For more information, contact 0800 633 5769.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and its partners also offer the following energy-efficiency opportunities across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
- Heat and Save, offering loft and cavity wall insulation at the discounted prices of £74 each, for a limited time only.
- Home Energy Efficiency scheme for eligible residents who have children aged under 16, are pregnant, on certain benefits or over the age of £60, offering heating and insulation improvements of up to £3,600
- Grants for households with a total annual income of less than £20,021 to insulate their attic and cavity walls.
- Free insulation for people on qualifying benefits.
For more information on the above, contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Housing Team on 01443 42572
