Feb 16 2006
Microgeneration could help alleviate the problem of fuel poverty in Wales, experts say.
A report commissioned by Gwynedd Council Estimates suggests that around 23,000 households in Gwynedd are at risk of fuel poverty, almost twice the average across local authorities in England.
But Alun Davies, director of strategic communications firm Bute, believes that microgeneration ý small-scale alternative energy generation for domestic use ý could help the poorest homes, while also reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
He suggests that the Welsh Assembly should establish a partnership with a power company to provide microgeneration equipment for poor households, according to the Western Mail.
This would help combat fuel poverty, meet energy policy targets and reduce dependence on energy imports.
He praises secretary of state Peter Hain for leading the way by installing solar panels on the roof of his home to generate electricity.
Fuel poverty affects some 31 per cent of households in Wales, with six per cent suffering from severe fuel poverty.
The Welsh Assembly has established a Home Energy Efficiency Scheme to tackle the problem. The scheme provides insulation and heating grants via local authorities, and its ultimate aim is to completely eradicate fuel poverty by 2018.