As the cold weather sets in, some of Anglesey’ residents will feel the benefits from a green home improvement scheme which aims to increase energy efficiency.
When the Arbed programme was launched by the Welsh Assembly Government earlier this year the Isle of Anglesey County Council secured £2.5milion to invest in over 300 public sector homes in partnership with Tai Eryri.
The scheme aims to upgrade the energy efficiency of housing stock in some of the least well off parts of Wales as well as give local jobs and skills a boost by providing contracts to local companies who specialise in renewable energy.
Solar panels have been fitted to homes in Pencraig, Llangefni, to create electricity with selected properties across the island set to benefit from solar hot water systems over the coming months.
Anglesey Energy Island Programme Director, Sasha Wynn Davies, explained, “This project is an example of how the renewable energy sector can benefit tenants and the local economy and it also means that we are making homes greener and more efficient.”
She added, “The project also fits in to the Energy Island vision of making Anglesey a centre of excellence for energy demonstration and production as well as a hub for low carbon energy generation.”
Housing and Technical Services Manager Dafydd Rowlands said, “The pilot phase is now complete and the project will be extended to other parts of the island. The Arbed funding means we can improve energy ratings in our housing stock as well as promote the use of renewable energy. The social benefits of the project also mean reducing fuel poverty by making household energy bill cheaper.”