An Affordable Warmth Strategy for Cardiff Rehanna Chaudhri – Technical Officer for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The Presentation Introduction Overview of Affordable Warmth Strategy Personal energy use in the home Questions?

The Affordable Warmth Strategy Action Plan details four key aims: –Improve energy efficiency of domestic dwellings –Raise awareness and promote measures available to achieve affordable warmth –Identify, assist and advise the households most vulnerable to fuel poverty –Promote renewable energy and sustainability

Our Partners… NEA Wales British Gas Cardiff Health Alliance Domestic and General Insulation EAGA Partnership EDF Energy Help the Aged RSL’s Rounded Developments Scottish Power Severn Wye Energy Agency South East Wales Energy Agency SWALEC WLGA

Fuel Poverty and Affordable Warmth A household is considered to be suffering from fuel poverty if it needs to spend 10% or more of its income on fuel use to achieve adequate warmth for health and comfort. Affordable warmth is the ability of a household to heat their home to a satisfactory level without having to economise on other essential outgoings.

Causes of Fuel Poverty Poor Energy Efficiency Lack of insulation, double glazing, draught proofing, up-to-date heating systems Cost of Fuel Increase of 63% in gas and 44% in electricity between 2003 and 2006 (Energywatch March 2006) Low Income Intensified by rising prices and hard to heat homes

Who is Affected? Fuel poverty affects wide range of people across all tenures -The elderly -Families with children -Those affected by illness or disability -Students -Increasing numbers of households are at risk as energy prices continue to rise

Implications of Fuel Poverty Ill Health - Respiratory illness, hypothermia, cardiovascular problems and arthritis Economic and Social Impact – Financial distress, isolation and anxiety

Insulation and draughtproofing

Insulation Insulating your home can not only save you money in the long-term but will also increase the comfort of your home and reduce your carbon emissions Cavity Wall Insulation ~ £500 or less Annual Fuel Cost Savings ~ £130 - £160 Payback period ~ 3 years Flats / Scaffolding Loft Insulation ~ £230 Annual Fuel Cost Savings ~ £ Payback Period ~ 1 year

Higher cost measures to consider: Solid Wall Insulation –2 types Individual Renewable Supply A-rated Appliances Replacement of old boilers

Lower Cost Actions to Consider Energy Saving Light Bulbs Energy Efficient Behaviour Changing Energy Supplier Draught Proofing Insulate your Hot Water Tank Winter Fuel Payment ( )

Renewable Energy St Mellons – Photovotaic panels Butetown – Solar Water heating

The Affordable Warmth Strategy Working to: To improve health To reduce debt To improve quality of housing Towards a more sustainable way of life To eliminate fuel poverty

Rehanna Chaudhri