Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Swansea

Our staff at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting Swansea households in reducing their energy costs and supporting the UK’s efforts to cut carbon emissions for the past few years.

The ECO4 scheme, and the Great British Insulation Scheme both supported by LA Flex are available to eligible Swansea homes. We are dedicated to ensuring that Swansea residents have access to all the funding for which they qualify.

So How and Why Do We Do This?

The UK Government has launched the ECO4 scheme and other grant programs to help reach its Net Zero emissions target. Consumer Rights is committed to supporting this initiative and doing its part to help the UK achieve this goal.

Swansea’s average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is 60 (band D), which is little less than Wales’ average of 67. This implies that energy-efficient improvements like new heating systems or insulation could be advantageous for many houses, particularly older ones. Private rental properties need to have at least a band E EPC rating in order to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Only those possessing a current exemption listed on the PRS Exemptions Register are permitted to rent properties with ratings of F or G. In an effort to lower carbon emissions and increase housing efficiency, the UK government intends to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties to band C by 2030. Since many older properties in Swansea don’t already fulfil these criteria, this move will have a big impact on landlords.

Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.

The housing stock in Swansea presents significant challenges for retrofitting to increase energy efficiency:

  1. Many older properties have poor energy efficiency ratings, making them prime candidates for retrofitting.
  2. A large number of homes are off the mains gas grid, using oil or LPG for heating, which is typically more expensive and less efficient.
  3. The diverse housing stock, including terraced houses, semi-detached homes, and older properties, requires tailored approaches to retrofitting.

Regarding fuel poverty:

As of October 2023, 49% of survey respondents in Swansea were impacted by fuel and energy costs, indicating a high level of fuel poverty in the area.

Energy and Carbon Management Plan:

  • The council aims for net carbon neutrality by 2030
  • Focuses on improving energy efficiency in council-owned buildings
  • Explores commercial opportunities and community energy initiatives

These initiatives demonstrate Swansea’s commitment to improving energy efficiency across various property types, with a focus on both council-owned and private housing stock.

EPC Ratings in Swansea

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): An estimated 30-35% of homes in Swansea have an EPC rating of C or higher, meaning they are relatively energy-efficient but could still benefit from further improvements, such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
  • D (average efficiency): The majority of homes in Swansea fall into band D, indicating they have average energy performance but could benefit from insulation or heating upgrades.
  • E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of homes are rated E, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and are likely to face higher energy bills, making them eligible for ECO4 funding.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): A minority of properties are rated F or G, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes require major upgrades to meet modern standards.

Many homes in Swansea may qualify for energy efficiency grants, as government funding requires a property to have an EPC rating of D or below to be eligible.

If you think you may be eligible for funding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.