"Low-carbon programme is welcome news for Wales" - Mick Bates AM (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

"Low-carbon programme is welcome news for Wales" - Mick Bates AM

December 4, 2008 12:00 AM

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed the news that Wales will see a new programme to install thousands of microgeneration units in one of the most deprived areas of the country, to become the first 'low-carbon zone' in Europe.

The 15 year programme will receive £12million in funding from the Assembly Government's Strategic Capital Investment Fund and will see around 40,000 microgeneration units fitted and 65,000 homes assessed for their energy efficiency in the Heads of the Valleys.

Commenting Mick said:

"While the need for zero carbon housing stock is essential, also important is the existing housing stock. Over 90% of the homes in Wales today will still exist in 2020 so retrofitting and upgrading the existing housing stock to improve environmental performance will also play a key role.

"I welcome the news that Wales will develop the first 'low-carbon zone' in Europe, following plans to install 40,000 microgeneration units and assess 65,000 homes for their energy efficiency in the Heads of the Valley regions, which is one of the most deprived areas in Wales.

"I hope the scheme will be a success and can be rolled out to other parts of Wales. We must take strong policy lead on retrofitting if we are to increase the take up of microgeneration technologies and improve energy efficiency within the home.

"I will continue to campaign for a Welsh grant fund system for the installation of renewable technologies in homes, so that people across Wales can afford to install these technologies, to reduce their carbon emissions and save money on their fuel bills."

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