Latest News

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19.01.10

Stay Warm This Winter

Gower AM Edwina Hart is urging residents in Gower to keep warm during the winter cold snap by reminding them of a number of initiatives available to pensioners and other vulnerable households.

Thousands of residents in Wales are now entitled to a grant from the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. (HEES)

Since HEES was set up in 2000 the Welsh Assembly Government has spent more than £100 million helping more than 100,000 householders to save an average of £220 a year on their heating bills.

The HEES grant provides a package of heating and insulation improvements up to the value of £3,600 (or £5,000 where oil central heating is required).

Money is also available through the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target funding (CERT), which people facing fuel poverty can access via their energy supplier.

Edwina Hart said: “It is crucial that pensioners stay warm during this winter period and this financial help will go some way towards that. I urge all eligible residents to take advantage of these initiatives and wrap up warm this winter.”

“Anyone who needs assistance or requires further information can contact my office at 01792 895481.”

Notes:

Useful contact numbers and web site addresses where people can get help and advice are:

• Winter Fuel Payments - Tel 0845 915 1515 / or visit the DirectGov website
• HEES – Tel 0800 316 2815 / or visit the HEES website
• CERT - Contact information will be available on energy bills
• Energy Savings Trust – Tel 0800 512 012 / or visit the Energy Saving Trust website