Llanidloes households could save £368 a year under new energy scheme

A community energy project in Llanidloes is to receive nearly £600,000 in Welsh Government funding to help households cut their electricity bills and generate money for local projects.

Llanidloes District Energy Local Club has been awarded £597,210 through the latest round of the Welsh Government's Ynni Cymru programme.

The funding will pay for new solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points, allowing households signed up to the scheme to make greater use of renewable electricity generated locally.

Participating households are expected to save around £368 a year on their electricity bills by using more locally generated energy and reducing their reliance on the national grid.

The community-owned project is also forecast to generate approximately £14,000 annually to support local community projects and activities in the Llanidloes area.

It is one of two projects in Powys receiving a combined £1.19 million through the latest funding round.

In nearby Machynlleth, renewable energy company Dulas Ltd will use its funding to install additional solar panels and heat pumps at its headquarters.

The investment will help reduce the company's reliance on fossil fuels while providing locally generated electricity to households participating in the Machynlleth Energy Local Club.

Both projects form part of Ynni Cymru, a Welsh Government programme supporting communities, businesses and public services to generate and use renewable energy locally.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said: “I'm delighted that organisations in Powys are benefiting from this latest round of Ynni Cymru funding.

“These projects show how communities can take greater control of their energy future, keeping more money in local areas while helping households and organisations reduce their energy costs.

“From Llanidloes to Machynlleth, this investment will help more people benefit from locally generated renewable energy, supporting community initiatives and building a more resilient local economy.”

The latest round of Ynni Cymru funding will distribute £8.27 million among 24 organisations across Wales.

Since the programme was launched in 2023, more than 80 projects have received support, with total investment now exceeding £31 million.

The Llanidloes scheme is intended to demonstrate how community-owned renewable energy can provide financial benefits directly to local households while generating additional income for community activities.

The projected £368 annual household saving will depend on participation in the scheme and the amount of locally generated electricity used.