Pembrokeshire's coast and farmland are dotted with farms, holiday lets and cottages, many off the gas grid and exposed to Atlantic weather.
How homes in Pembrokeshire are heated
| Central heating | Pembrokeshire | Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Mains gas only | 51.8% | 71.6% |
| Oil only | 22.7% | 7.8% |
| Tank or bottled gas (LPG) only | 4.4% | 2% |
| Electric only | 5.3% | 5.3% |
| Wood only | 0.7% | 0.3% |
| Solid fuel only | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Renewable energy only | 0.9% | 0.5% |
| Two or more types (not renewable) | 10.2% | 9.2% |
| Two or more types (including renewable) | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| No central heating | 1.7% | 1.2% |
Source: ONS Census 2021, table TS046.
- Only 51.8% of households used mains gas alone, against 71.6% across Wales. Many of the rest rely on oil, LPG, electricity or solid fuel, which is where heat pumps and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme come in.
- Oil: 22.7% of homes used oil alone, 2.9 times the Wales figure. Tank checks and boiler servicing matter here.
- LPG: 4.4% used tank or bottled gas alone, against 2% nationally. See LPG.
- Wood and solid fuel: 1.3% relied on wood or solid fuel alone for central heating, so chimney sweeping is a regular job for many homes.
48.2% of households in Pembrokeshire used something other than mains gas alone (ONS Census 2021).
Local rules and things to know in Pembrokeshire
Your local planning authority in Wales is usually the council, but if you live in a national park it is the national park authority (Welsh Government). In the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, that means the Park Authority, not Pembrokeshire County Council.
The Cleddau is an SAC river. Natural Resources Wales lists nine SAC rivers in Wales: the Cleddau, Eden, Gwyrfai, Teifi, Tywi, Glaslyn, Dee, Usk and Wye. Its advice says a private sewage system discharging to ground is unlikely to have a significant effect if it is built to BS 6297, discharges less than 2 m³ a day, and its drainage field is more than 40 m from any river, stream, ditch or drain, more than 50 m from the SAC boundary and at least 50 m from any other known discharge to ground. Where those tests aren't met, the planning authority needs to carry out an appropriate assessment (NRW). Check this before you plan a new septic tank or treatment plant.
Common services in Pembrokeshire
Heating oil boilers and tanks
Boiler servicing and replacement, oil tank installation and bunding.
Heat pumps
Air and ground source heat pumps, with grant-eligible MCS installers.
Solar panels and batteries
Roof and ground-mounted solar PV, home batteries and export tariffs.
Septic tanks and treatment plants
Emptying, repairs, replacement and new treatment plants for off-mains drainage.
Roofing, gutters and repairs
Slate, tile and thatch repairs, gutters, flashings and chimneys.
LPG tanks and boilers
LPG boilers, bulk tanks, bottled gas and appliance servicing.
Rules and grants that apply in Pembrokeshire
- Septic tanks and treatment plants: most need a free registration with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). See our septic tank page.
- Oil tanks: GOV.UK notes that Wales has different oil storage regulations from England, so check the Welsh rules with your installer (GOV.UK).
- Heat pump and biomass grants: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open in England and Wales (GOV.UK).
- Private water supplies: local authorities, Public Health Wales and the Drinking Water Inspectorate share responsibilities for private supplies in England and Wales (DWI).
Councils and towns covered
Local authorities: Pembrokeshire County Council.
We'll look for suppliers who cover Pembrokeshire, including:
- Haverfordwest
- Pembroke
- Tenby
- Fishguard
- Narberth
- Milford Haven
- St Davids
- Newport
- Saundersfoot
- Crymych
- Neyland
- Letterston
The list isn't complete. Enter your postcode in the form and we'll look for suppliers who cover your property.
Other areas in Wales
Powys · Gwynedd and Anglesey · Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire · All of Wales
Frequently asked questions
How are most homes in Pembrokeshire heated?
In the 2021 census, 51.8% of households in Pembrokeshire used mains gas alone, 22.7% used oil alone and 5.3% used electricity alone.
Can I get a heat pump grant in Pembrokeshire?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales, and until March 2027 homes heated by oil or LPG with no mains gas connection may get an additional £1,500.
Do you cover all of Pembrokeshire?
Yes. Enter your postcode and we'll look for up to 3 local suppliers who cover your property, including outlying villages and farms.