Powys covers much of mid Wales. Hill farms, long tracks and homes far from the gas grid are the norm.
How homes in Powys are heated
| Central heating | Powys | Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Mains gas only | 38.9% | 71.6% |
| Oil only | 27.7% | 7.8% |
| Tank or bottled gas (LPG) only | 4.4% | 2% |
| Electric only | 6.7% | 5.3% |
| Wood only | 1.6% | 0.3% |
| Solid fuel only | 1% | 0.6% |
| Renewable energy only | 1.6% | 0.5% |
| Two or more types (not renewable) | 14.2% | 9.2% |
| Two or more types (including renewable) | 1.5% | 0.6% |
| No central heating | 1.8% | 1.2% |
Source: ONS Census 2021, table TS046.
- Only 38.9% 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: 27.7% of homes used oil alone, 3.6 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: 2.6% relied on wood or solid fuel alone for central heating, so chimney sweeping is a regular job for many homes.
- Electric heating: 6.7% used electric heating alone, more than the 5.3% average.
- Renewables: 1.6% already used renewable heating alone, above the 0.5% average.
61.1% of households in Powys used something other than mains gas alone (ONS Census 2021).
Local rules and things to know in Powys
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). Bannau Brycheiniog National Park covers parts of seven unitary authorities. The Park Authority is the planning authority there, and the councils keep all other local government services (Bannau Brycheiniog NPA).
The Wye and Usk are both SAC rivers. 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). That matters if you're replacing or adding a septic tank or treatment plant.
Common services in Powys
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.
Biomass boilers and wood burners
Stove fitting, flue lining, biomass boilers and HETAS-registered installers.
Private water supplies and boreholes
Boreholes, springs and wells: drilling, pumps, storage, testing and repairs.
Septic tanks and treatment plants
Emptying, repairs, replacement and new treatment plants for off-mains drainage.
Rural and satellite broadband
Fixed wireless, 4G/5G, satellite, community fibre and installation.
Rules and grants that apply in Powys
- 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: Powys County Council.
We'll look for suppliers who cover Powys, including:
- Brecon
- Llandrindod Wells
- Newtown
- Welshpool
- Builth Wells
- Machynlleth
- Llanidloes
- Rhayader
- Crickhowell
- Knighton
- Presteigne
- Talgarth
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
Gwynedd and Anglesey · Pembrokeshire · Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire · All of Wales
Frequently asked questions
How are most homes in Powys heated?
In the 2021 census, 38.9% of households in Powys used mains gas alone, 27.7% used oil alone and 6.7% used electricity alone.
Can I get a heat pump grant in Powys?
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 Powys?
Yes. Enter your postcode and we'll look for up to 3 local suppliers who cover your property, including outlying villages and farms.