Thousands of homes across Wales made ready for winter

The Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest scheme has published its annual report for 2019-20, outlining the activity undertaken to support fuel poor homes across Wales.

In 2019-20, the Nest scheme’s main achievements were:

• 15,823 households received free and impartial energy saving advice
• 4,544 households received a home energy improvement package, with a modelled average energy bill saving of £282 a year
• average modelled increase in energy efficiency rating of 43 SAP points
• average modelled reduction in energy units of 17,934 per household
• benefit entitlement checks resulted in a household average £2,202 potential increase in benefit take-up
• 100 per cent of installations were completed by Wales-based installers
• the scheme directly supported 28 new jobs and apprenticeships

Since 2011, the Nest scheme has installed improvements in over 42,000 homes across Wales and helped thousands of families to reduce their energy bills. The Nest scheme also supports the Welsh Government’s commitments to reduce climate change, help eradicate fuel poverty and boost economic development and regeneration in Wales.

The Nest scheme provides provide free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating system, or insulation. Residents in Wales who own their home or rent from a private landlord could be eligible for home energy improvements if they or someone they live with receives a means tested benefit, or has a chronic respiratory, circulatory or mental health condition and an income below defined thresholds.

Lesley Griffiths, Minster for Energy, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “Good homes support the creation of cohesive and well-functioning communities in which all can play a part.  Our Warm Homes Programme Nest scheme continues to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of our homes, supporting people who continue to struggle to meet the cost of their home energy needs, as well as contributing to our ambitions to reduce harmful carbon emissions into our natural environment.”

Ross Kirwan, head of Nest, added: “With the return of winter and the promise of colder weather, it’s essential that people across Wales living in a cold, energy inefficient home have access to the Nest scheme. Health-based criteria has opened up an additional avenue for households across Wales, which has seen more people qualify and benefit from free home energy improvements ensuring their home is warm and comfortable all year round.”

The Nest scheme is managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by British Gas. Energy Saving Trust is a material subcontractor of British Gas. The full Nest annual report can be accessed here in Welsh and English.