Energy
Why energy matters in Powys
Heating and electricity use across homes, businesses and public buildings account for around 10% of Powys’ carbon footprint — and are one of the areas where action can deliver rapid reductions.
Energy makes up 13% of a resident’s footprint, with household fuel emissions 41% higher than the UK average, largely due to oil and solid fuel heating.
Powys’ rural geography shapes this challenge. Many homes are off the gas grid and rely on oil or solid fuels. Much of the housing stock is older and harder to insulate.
We are seeing:
- Higher household fuel use than the UK average
- Greater exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices
- Increased risk of fuel poverty in rural communities
- Pressure on electricity networks as demand shifts
- Challenges retrofitting traditional and listed buildings
These factors affect affordability, health and long-term resilience.
At the same time, energy transition offers major benefits.
Energy as a climate and well-being solution
Together with transport and food system change, energy transition represents a powerful opportunity to:
- Improve household affordability
- Reduce inequality between urban and rural areas
- Create skilled local jobs
- Keep more energy investment within Powys
- Build long-term resilience to climate and market shocks
A fair energy transition means warmer homes, helping protect households from rising energy costs, and greater energy security — especially important in a rural county exposed to fossil fuel price volatility.
Shaping Powys’ future
Energy transition works when it improves comfort, affordability and fairness. In Powys, reducing emissions depends on coordinated investment, infrastructure upgrades and practical support — so households are not left to manage the transition alone.
The goal is to make low-carbon and resilient options the easy, affordable choice — backed by investment and services.
Scaling up the transition to low-carbon energy in Powys will involve:
- Improving energy efficiency in homes and public buildings
- Expanding low-carbon heating, especially in off-gas rural properties
- Growing local renewable energy generation and community ownership
- Strengthening electricity networks and flexibility to support electrification
- Targeted support to reduce fuel poverty and ensure a fair transition
Public bodies in Powys are supporting the energy transition through investment in public buildings, delivery of energy efficiency programmes, coordination of local energy planning and initiatives that expand renewable generation and reduce fuel poverty.
Community-led and public sector energy projects already demonstrate what this future can look like
Case Study Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority partnered with the Welsh Government Energy Service to deliver a smart local energy system at Craig Y Nos, Swansea. The project included battery storage, EV charging points, and full fleet electrification, showcasing public sector leadership in decarbonisation and energy resilience. Find out more: Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Swansea: smart local energy system and fleet electrification | GOV.WALES (External Link) |  |
Case Study Established in 2001, Bro Dyfi Community Renewables is one of the UK’s first community energy cooperatives. Based near Machynlleth, it developed community-owned wind generation funded through local share offers. Today it has around 200 shareholders, more than half of whom are local.Find out more: Bro Dyfi Community Renewables (External Link) |  |
Llanidloes Energy Solutions / Zero Carbon LlanidloesLocal organisations in Llanidloes merged in 2024 to strengthen community climate action. Projects have included, solar photovoltaic installations, development of community-owned renewable energy and local engagement and carbon reduction initiatives. This work shows how coordinated local action can accelerate decarbonisation while building community resilience. Find out more: Home - Zero Carbon Llanidloes (External Link) |  |
Unlocking energy action across Powys
These organisations help make energy action easier and more accessible, and work to ensure that no community is left behind.
Severn Wye
Supports community renewable energy development and local decarbonisation projects.
Get in touch: Severn Wye Energy Agency – sustainability now, and for the future (External Link)
Growing Mid Wales
Regional coordination supporting the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
Get in touch: Growing Mid Wales - English - Growing Mid Wales (External Link)
Evidence-led action
Evidence is helping public services, businesses and communities focus effort where it will make the most difference.
Powys’ carbon footprint
You can explore the full detail of Powys’ carbon footprint, including in relation to energy, in the Powys County: Carbon Baseline and Climate Transition by Small World Consulting.
Powys Local Area Energy Plan
Local Area Energy Plans are spatial plans based on input from stakeholder engagement and modelling that identify what the solutions are, where they should be deployed, how much they will cost, when they should be pursued and by whom.
What are Local Area Energy Plans? - English - Growing Mid Wales (External Link)
Finding Solutions for Powys Homes: Decarbonisation and Climate Adaptation report
This report explores practical pathways for retrofitting hard-to-treat rural homes in Powys.
Finding Solutions for Powys Homes (External Link)
