What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the UK government regarding the end of the eco4 energy efficiency scheme and the impact this will have on people and local authorities in Wales delivering the scheme?
Whilst there will be no further energy company obligations (ECO) funding through energy bills, I understand the preferred course of action is for the ECO4 scheme to continue for a period in 2026-27 to enable suppliers to deliver against their commitments and for the remediation works to be completed. This avoids a cliff edge at the end of March.
Nevertheless, it is clear a number of businesses are considering exiting the market, and the first case of significant redundancies occurred when Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) appointed administrators on 9 January.
I am meeting the UK Minister for Energy Consumers today, 27 January, and will seek assurance that households impacted by ECO closure receive quality retrofit projects, including those whose initial installers are no longer trading. I will also be discussing the support we are offering the workforce of CES, and seeking the Minister’s cooperation in supporting all those in Wales impacted by the ECO closure as the scheme’s closure is managed.