The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs has highlighted the positive economic impact felt by Wales’ households and businesses thanks to the Welsh Government’s flagship fuel poverty scheme.

Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest provides all householders in Wales with access to advice and support to help them reduce their energy bills. This includes a referral for eligible householders for a package of free home energy efficiency measures such as a new boiler, central heating system, loft or cavity wall insulation, or renewable technologies. 

In 2016/17, the Welsh Government provided £19.5m for Nest and a further £3.9m has been levered in through the GB-wide Energy Company Obligation.  The Nest Annual Report for 2016/17 reveals:

• Over 5,500 households received free energy efficiency measures. 
• Average energy bill savings for households who had measures installed are estimated at £410 per year. 
• 264 households benefited from new or additional benefits, with an average increase in household income of over £1,800 per household per year. This equates to a £482,500 potential increase in benefit take up this year.  
• 382 households benefited from a Warm Home Discount rebate worth £140 off their electricity bill; this represents a total saving on energy bills of over £53,400.
• 77 households benefited from receiving support from their water companies. HelpU and Water Direct. They are collectively estimated to make direct savings of £14,300. 

Since 2011, 190 opportunities have been created by Nest including jobs, apprenticeships and training. All installations have been carried out by Wales-based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). One company that has directly benefited from its involvement in Nest is QRL Radiator Group, based in Newport.  QRL have been supplying radiators to Nest since January 2011, all made from steel produced by TATA steel. Over 153,000 QRL radiators have been installed through Nest.
Speaking during a visit to QRL recently Lesley Griffiths said:

“This report shows Nest continues to contribute impressively to job creation and growth in Wales. Since the scheme started in 2011, all installations have been carried out by Wales-based enterprises and over 190 opportunities have been created in the process. We should rightly be proud of Nest’s impact, both economically and environmentally. There is, though, no room for complacency. Tackling fuel poverty in Wales remains a significant challenge. That is why I am investing over £104 million in Welsh Government Warm Homes schemes over the next four years to improve a further 25,000 homes. I am confident Nest will continue its success in 2017/18.  I look forward to seeing many more households who have been struggling to heat their homes benefit from the help the scheme provides.”