Melin Homes Press Release

16 April 2010

Melin residents vote solar panels a hit

Melin residents are giving the thumbs up to a new energy saving scheme, provided by Melin Homes, thanks to a £1.8 million funding boost to provide energy efficiency measures to over 300 properties, including solar thermal panels and air to water heating systems.

The work has been jointly funded by £1,000,000 by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Heads of the Valleys Improvement Programme, and £800,000 from Central Governments Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT).

Solar panels have recently been installed on Melin homes in North Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. This is the first phase of over 500 Melin properties that will receive the new hot water heating systems. Phase one of the work was completed in March 2010 and further work is planned through to 2012/13.

The new heating systems can provide up to 90% of a homes hot water in the summer and even during the winter can provide over 30%. This is because the solar panels do not rely on direct sunlight to work and can still heat water on an overcast day.

Mrs Hughes of Osborne Road, Pontypool had her new hot water system and solar panel fitted recently. She explained “I was delighted when Melin said they were going to fit a new energy efficient hot water system. I try to be as energy efficient as possible and this will go a long way towards that as well as saving me money on gas bills. The work only took a day and a half and the fitters were very professional.”

Melin Homes Chief Executive, Mark Gardner explained: “We are committed to improving the energy efficiency of our homes in order to meet our carbon reduction targets. These new systems will also help to reduce fuel poverty for our residents. This funding has allowed us to go a long way to honouring our commitments to both our residents and the environment.”

Melin Homes works with the Energy Saving Trust to reduce carbon emissions and is the first housing association in the UK to have such a partnership. This work was recently recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing who gave Melin an award for Increasing Environmental Sustainability.

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Notes to Editors

Melin Homes
Melin Homes is a not for profit landlord providing quality homes and services across Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport, Powys and Torfaen. For further information please visit www.melinhomes.co.uk

The Heads of the Valleys Programme:
The Heads of the Valleys initiative was launched by the Welsh Assembly Government in September 2004. The 15 year regeneration strategy has been developed in full partnership with five local authorities, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, and other local stakeholders. The initiative is tackling the root causes of economic inactivity and other key issues in the area, within the context of the Wales Spatial Plan.
The £140million programme aims to create:
 An attractive and well-used natural, historic and built environment
 A vibrant economic landscape offering new opportunities
 A well educated, skilled and healthier population
 An appealing and coherent tourism and leisure experience
 Public confidence in a shared bright future
For more information contact Paula Skyrme, Communications Officer on 01495 745907 or email paula.skyrme@melinhomes.co.uk