Melin are committed to green and energy efficient housing:

• We are the first housing association in Wales to self fund energy efficient solar panels - we have spent £250,000 from the Feed in Tariff scheme (FITS), which pays the users of renewable energy for the power they save and export back into the grid.
• We have installed over 100 solar panels to date and we plan to install around 100 a year over the next five years using £1 million fuinding from the Welsh Government's 'Arbed' scheme to give our residents the benefits of renewable energy.
• Most solar panels are on individual houses and flats, but we have instillations on two sheltered schemes in Cwmbran and Pontypool which will mean cheaper energy bills for our older residents living in the schemes.

Melin recognise that you don't need solar panels to save money on bills - small changes often make a big difference. Here are some top energy saving tips:

• Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree – this will save you around £30 a year.
• Turn off household appliances such as TV’s, computers, microwaves and music systems when not in use – they continue to use energy when on stand-by.
• Use a low temperature on your washing machine and dry your clothes on a washing line instead of in a tumble dryer in nice weather.
• When cooking, consider using pressure cookers, microwaves and steamers as they use less energy than ovens. 
• Consider turning the water temperature on your thermostat down to 60 degrees – this will reduce your heating costs.
• Having a shower will use 40% less water than having a bath.

For more information on our energy efficiency schemes contact David Bolton on 08453101102 or email david.bolton@melinhomes.co.uk.