Warmer Homes, Smaller Bills, Lower Carbon

With cold weather coming on, local community groups need help putting together an application that would bring energy saving investment into the Dyfi valley, if successful. Ecodyfi and Communities First are holding a joint event on 30 November in Machynlleth to explain a new funding opportunity, and to show people wanting to cut their energy bills what help is available already.

A number of organizations will be present, so that people can chat informally about how to save energy and make their homes more healthy and comfortable. The Energy Saving Trust, for example, will provide tips and advise people what grants might be available. Bro Ddyfi Advice Centre’s “Monergy” project, run jointly with the Robert Owen Credit Union, will be there to provide advice on managing money as well as energy.

Representatives of Powys Care and Repair will be on hand to explain how elderly and vulnerable people can have certain home improvements carried out safely without charge. Ecodyfi will be handing out low energy light bulbs and offering people the chance to try out the Dyfi Footprint quiz.

As well as having these chats over a cup of tea, people attending will hear about the Low Carbon Communities Challenge. The Government wants to help a number of communities lower their carbon output, and is offering up to £500,000 of capital funding to each of those it chooses. People have started making plans for how the Dyfi valley might usefully spend such a sum, and will present their ideas to the meeting.

Current proposals include improving the energy use of a community building and helping a housing association build energy efficient houses. There are also innovative proposals for shared cars and ideas for making existing houses warmer, including insulating solid walls and using logs more effectively.

The meeting on 30 November will start at 7.30 at the Events Centre in the Plas. The event is relevant to everybody and all are welcome. Anybody with a relevant proposal is invited to attend, or to discuss it with Andy Rowland in advance. He can be contacted on 01654 703965 or at 52 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth.

Further information:
Andy Rowland, ecodyfi Manager 01654 703965
Cyril Evans, Communities First Coordinator 01654 700315

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