July 20, 2026 - 159 views
Thousands of households across Wales are set to benefit from a £17 million investment in home energy upgrades aimed at cutting bills, improving comfort and tackling fuel poverty.
The Welsh Government says the funding will support families by making homes more energy efficient, while helping to create healthier living conditions and reduce the impact of rising energy costs.
The investment follows a review of the Welsh Government’s Warm Homes programme, which identified opportunities to improve the way energy efficiency upgrades are delivered.
Three existing programmes will receive funding.
Around £8 million will go towards the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy efficiency improvements in social housing.
A further £5 million will support the Nest scheme, helping eligible households in the private sector.
The remaining £4 million will fund new area-based projects, including support for rural and off-grid households which rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas.
The Welsh Government says these projects will be particularly important for rural communities across Wales, including areas where alternative heating systems are common.
Some residents who have already received upgrades have seen significant reductions in their energy costs.
At Parc Penrhiw in Ammanford, improvements including solar panels, battery storage, insulation and modern heating systems have helped some households reduce monthly energy bills from around £200 to less than £100.
Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said the investment would help more families across Wales.
“What we've seen at Parc Penrhiw shows exactly why this investment matters,” she said.
“These are real families spending less to live safely and comfortably in their homes, with lower energy bills putting more money back into people's pockets and helping with the cost of living.”
The Welsh Government says the programme will also help support its wider ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and improve housing standards.
Properties which previously relied on coal fires have been upgraded with cleaner heating alternatives, improving air quality and reducing the physical demands of keeping homes warm.
Jennifer Devereaux, who recently moved into a fully upgraded home with her daughter, said the improvements had transformed their living conditions.
“I never thought I’d be in credit with my energy supplier,” she said.
“Moving away from the coal fire has made such a difference — the house is warmer when it’s cold outside, it’s healthier, and I don’t have to worry about bills the way I used to.”
The Welsh Government says the £17 million package is the first stage of a wider commitment to improving energy efficiency in homes across Wales and helping households facing cost-of-living pressures.
