Caerau residents wanted to take part in heat scheme trial

Residents in Caerau are wanted to take part in a feasibility trial as plans for a low-carbon heat scheme progress.

Eligible households can earn up £150 for participating in the study, which will see consultants Energy Systems Catapult monitor heat usage in homes over the winter by installing a tado° smart thermostat.

This replaces conventional room thermostats and lets residents control their heating system remotely using an app, while allowing the information to be shared for the study.

The £9.7m scheme, which has been funded with European funds through the Welsh Government, aims to see heat extracted from renewable sources to provide heat to homes in the area. It is hoped heating costs will be reduced by about 10% compared to using a traditional gas boiler.

Residents who give permission for their energy consumption data to be collected will get a free smart thermostat and £75 in cash from Energy Systems Catapult, with another £75 paid if they take part in other activities, such as surveys, in the next six months. There is no requirement for any structural work to be undertaken on residents’ properties.

This trial will help the consultants to understand residents’ heating needs and test an affordable heating tariff. This will help to give the community a voice in deciding what works for their needs and location.

This projects we are trying to develop are all about helping to address fuel poverty, supporting the development of a new energy industry and developing skills within the low-carbon agenda.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Richard Young

Bridgend County Borough Council, which is overseeing the project, is working closely on the scheme alongside partners such as Welsh Government, British Geological Survey, Natural Resources Wales, Cardiff University, Energy Systems Catapult and The Coal Authority.

If you are interested in taking part or have any questions, email caerau@es.catapult.org.uk with your contact details, including your address, and they’ll get in touch to take you through the next steps.