A heating scheme is looking to connect people in rural Ceredigion to gas mains as energy costs are set to rise.

Ceredigion County Council says an opportunity has arisen to extend the Cozy Ceredigion first time central heating scheme for rural areas to include mains gas connections, together with full central heating systems, for eligible households living in Ceredigion.

The scheme covers the whole of the county.

In addition to the heating options available previously (LPG and Air Source Heat Pump systems), mains gas central heating systems are now included.

If there is gas in your street, then help may be available to connect you to the mains gas network at no cost to you.

The connection takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks. With gas being phased out by Welsh Government, this could be the last chance the scheme is offered in Ceredigion.

The council says even though it supports the drive to move away from fossil fuels, gas is still a relatively cheap and efficient way to heat your property.

If your property is connected but does not have a gas central heating system, you could be eligible for a free, full central heating system.

Funding is available to owner-occupiers and private rented tenants who meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications for the mains gas connections close on 3 December.

The number of funded connections is limited so applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

Working together in partnership, the Welsh firm City Energy and Ceredigion County Council delivered significant benefits to 137 vulnerable residents in the area through installing of energy-efficient measures in their homes last year.

The success of the scheme has been recognised by the GO Excellence in Public Procurement Awards Wales and the Regional Energy Efficiency Awards where both organisations were jointly awarded ‘Best Contract Delivery’ and ‘Large Scale Project’. As a result of the success of the first phase, Ceredigion County Council has secured additional funding to deliver a further 180 first time central heating systems with associated insulation measures in Ceredigion.

Cllr Dafydd Edwards, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We welcome the news that the first time central heating scheme for rural areas has been extended to include mains and gas connections in Ceredigion. If you need more information or are unsure about your eligibility, you should contact the team to take advantage of this brilliant scheme.”

Cllr Alun Williams, Cabinet Member for Porth Cynnal, added: “With fuel costs rising, this scheme is aimed at households who are finding it difficult to properly heat their homes. Keeping warm is essential for the health and wellbeing of all members of the family and no-one in Ceredigion should have to be cold due to poverty.”

The scheme is funded through the Warm Homes Fund; a national fund established by National Grid and administered by Community Interest Company, Affordable Warmth Solutions.

If you are interested in the new central heating system or want to find out more about the scheme and the eligibility criteria, call the Housing Section on 01545 572 185 or e-mail [email protected].