Over 1700 Powys residents benefitted from the a Welsh Government Warm Homes initiative last year, new figures reveal.

In addition, over 250 low income households in Powys received energy efficiency home improvements funded by the Welsh Government as part of the "Nest" scheme, which offers advice to households on on how to heat their homes effectively and reduce their energy bills. The claim those who have taken part in the scheme have reduced their energy bills by an average of £408 per year.

The 2017-18 Nest Scheme annual report shows that over 112,600 Welsh households have been helped since the scheme started in 2011.

In 2017/18, the scheme received a 17% increase in the number of households contacting the Nest helpline, with over 15,600 callers receiving free energy saving advice and signposting to a range of support services designed to help save energy.

Ross Kirwan, Head of Nest, said: "We are delighted by the continued success of the Nest scheme and to see how it has directly helped thousands of Welsh people keep their homes warm and manage their energy bills effectively in 2017/18.

"As the colder months start to set in, we would like to remind people that the Nest helpline is open to all households in Wales, offering impartial advice and support. In addition to advice, people who live in a home that is hard to heat and receive a means tested benefit may also be eligible for free energy efficiency home improvements from Nest."