Alpha Research Exposes Cost of Living’s Alarming Impact on Wales’ Billpayers

• Seven in 10 (70%) of Wales’ billpayers are worried about fuel poverty, ranking among the highest rate of concern outside London

• Half are worried about energy security, with almost one in two (48%) experiencing a power cut in the last 12 months

• More than one in 10 (13%) has faced choosing between heating and groceries due to energy price hikes, while almost a third (32%) have experienced stress or anxiety

• In combatting fuel poverty and energy ‘insecurity’, heating expert Alpha calls for “more people to take that first, crucial step into renewables”

Record high energy bills are taking a negative toll on the wellbeing of Wales’ billpayers, with 70% admitting to being worried about fuel poverty, and those the most concerned falling within the 25-34 age category. 

According to new research commissioned by heating expert Alpha, rising energy bills have caused alarming results on the country’s billpayers including:

• Nearly a third (32%) have experienced stress or anxiety
• 35% have less funds for leisure activities
• 16% have seen family quarrels or arguments 
• More than one in 10 (13%) have had the dilemma of choosing between heating and eating, or had to seek a loan from a financial provider or family member

The recent study polled some 2,000 adults across the UK who pay household bills to understand to what extent the energy and cost of living crises continue to impact the population, as well as how many have attempted to regain control of their financial situation by exploring alternative energy solutions.

In Wales, one in two households (50%) worry about fuel security (i.e. having a consistent energy supply without any power cuts or shortages). This is hardly surprising when 48% have experienced a power cut in the last 12 months, including nearly a fifth (19%) of which were for a period longer than four hours (the point at which a fridge can stay cold without power). As a result, 31% agree that it is important to become energy self-sufficient.

Yet despite the worries around energy supply, the percentage of South West households exploring self-sufficiency (4%) or alternative means to heat or power their homes (11%) were some of the lowest across the poll. Indeed, only one in 10 had installed a new energy source in the past three years. 

The research delved further by exploring the barriers to upgrading to low or zero carbon energy on the home front. Cost of installation remains the biggest barrier, with 67% of Welsh households citing this. A lack of knowledge and understanding of the technology (36%) and the suitability or practicality for their property (36%) complete the top three reasons. 

Andrea Carmeli, managing director for Alpha, said: “The results from Wales indicate the country is struggling when it comes to energy savings. Concerns over fuel poverty were among the highest outside of London, yet the percentage of households taking action is alarmingly low, meaning the majority (90%) are still reliant on energy providers. With over a third (35%) of households citing lack of knowledge and understanding of technologies as the barrier to self-sufficiency, more must be done to build awareness.”

Carried out through OnePoll, the study also discovered that having a greener home is firmly on the country’s radar, with 82% stating they care about the carbon footprint of their home, the joint highest result along with those from Scotland and London. 

However, when it comes to installing a home heating appliance, decision-making among Welsh households is dominated by cost. While some 45% cite energy efficiency as a key factor in their purchasing decision, this is preceded by the cost of purchase (67%), cost of installation (59%) and ongoing running cost (51%).

Andrea continues: “The ideal outcome would be for everyone to be self-sufficient – but we know this is a long way off. What we need is for more people to take that first, crucial step into renewables by adopting the more cost-effective solutions available for their type of property.”

Alpha’s E-Tec Hybrid Heat Pump is one such solution. Costing far less than a full heat pump, it retains the reliability offered by the tried-and-tested gas boiler, much in the same way a hybrid car combines an electric motor with petrol power. Homeowners can explore options with the help and expertise of a heating engineer.

Andrea adds: “It would be far better for our planet for the masses to go hybrid, than for only a very small minority to go 100% renewable. By doing so, we can together work towards net zero whilst also helping to tackle and alleviate the nation’s issues and worries surrounding fuel poverty and energy security.”

For more information, visit alpha-innovation.co.uk.