Community Energy Project Talysarn and Nantlle

The Objectives To: Assess the levels of fuel poverty Survey properties to assess potential for EE and renewables Recommend further project, funding, way forward

The Approach Research background, HEED, ONS External Survey off all properties (inc Sat) Detailed survey of 10%+, randomly chosen Use SAP method to work out heating requirement/value of appropriate improvements Compare data, external and detailed surveys to validate sample

Biggest problem encountered Poor response from random 10% Distortion and social profile surveyed (over represented elderly/disabled More time spent recruiting than surveying Fortunately still representative of property types

Each visit collects Full SAP survey Income and benefits info Actual heating pattern Actual heating spend Any advice/help required (damp, benefits, adaptation)

Main Findings 71% have solid walls (80% with outlying props) 70% full double glazing, 10% partial (most of remainder in conservation area) Many minor issues identified (easy to treat) Benefits underclaims, many couples less than £7.5k 15% in fuel poverty based on fuel spend

Surprises! Only 82% have gas connection where available 16% have room in roof 37% need (more) loft insulation 21% need (some) cavity wall insulation 43% would benefit significantly by heating upgrade Many use coal/electric even when they have gas C/H

Surprises! 10% spend significantly more than needed on heating (over heating) 40% spend significantly less than needed on heating (under heating) 30% in fuel poverty based on heat requirement Improvements would take all out of fuel poverty

Savings to heating, hot water and electricity Average CostSaving Current£14420% Plus Energy Efficiency£103928% Plus heating upgrade£99231% Plus solar thermal£91636% Plus solar PV£84042% £696 £99 52% 93%

Lessons Most people can benefit from help (but don’t know or don’t ask) ‘Blind’ visits can find help Most Fuel poverty is hidden if you look at spend Energy Efficiency plus renewables can relieve FP ‘Payback’ 8 to 10 years

Don’t expect To be overwhelmed by requests A big response from families To make a difference unless we can follow up with measures