Senedd candidates for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, Sera Evans, Alun Cox and Elyn Stephens are appalled and angered by the loss of hundreds of jobs in the Rhondda due to City Energy Group, which owns Consumer Energy Solutions, going into administration.

The group has said that the proposed restructure and job losses were the result of the end of the UK Government-backed energy scheme ECO4, which it operated.
The initiative, which helped homeowners save on home energy upgrades such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps, is due to come to an end this year.

Candidate Sera Evans said,

“Cutting the ECO4 energy scheme seemingly without a replacement in place is reckless and irresponsible. Many people can’t afford to live in energy efficient homes, and yet these measures are much needed due to the increasing pace of climate change.

“As Plaid Cymru candidates for Afan Ogwr Rhondda we are putting on record our support for the workers of Consumer Energy Solutions and the green energy sector in general. We believe that the sector has a huge part to play in our efforts to bring about a greener future and to make homes more efficient in a time when the price of heating has increased to a level that is unaffordable for many.

“We condemn the Westminster Labour government for cutting the ECO4 scheme without putting a replacement scheme in place and call on the Welsh Government to support Consumer Energy Solutions at this time. We also call for investment in the future of green infrastructure by filling the funding void until Westminster comes up with an alternative to the ECO4 scheme. Residents in Wales should be able to have confidence in green energy and the Welsh Government needs to support them through this period.

“The people of the Rhondda can’t afford to lose these jobs and want to see strong support for the green energy sector and Consumer Energy Solutions.”