News

Energy bills put at centre of Senedd election debate

Published

2 months ago

April 27, 2026

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Wales’ political leaders to act faster on energy bills, saying electrification could help cut costs for families, businesses and community institutions.

Electrify Cymru, the Welsh arm of Electrify Britain, has published an open letter to party leaders ahead of the Senedd election.

The campaign, backed by EDF, Octopus Energy and E.ON, is calling for greater support for solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicles, arguing that the technology needed to reduce bills is already available.

Public First polling for Electrify Britain found that 44% of Welsh voters put energy bills among their top three concerns, ahead of NHS waiting times on 43% and growing the economy on 30%.

The campaign says the next Welsh Government will be judged on whether it makes electrification easier and more affordable for households, businesses and community organisations across Wales.

The call comes ahead of a live Senedd Sources debate at the Electric Brewery Field in Bridgend on Tuesday (Apr 28), where senior figures from Labour, Reform UK and Plaid Cymru will discuss energy, the economy and the election.

Those due to take part include Huw Irranca-Davies, Labour’s Deputy First Minister of Wales, Jason O’Connell from Reform UK, and Luke Fletcher from Plaid Cymru.

The venue is home to Bridgend Ravens, where Electrify Cymru recently became the club’s official stadium partner. The campaign says the historic rugby club, which is approaching its 150th anniversary and relies heavily on volunteers, is among the community institutions being squeezed by rising energy costs.

Electrify Cymru claims a club such as Bridgend Ravens could save hundreds of thousands of pounds over the next Senedd term through electrification, including solar power and heat pump technology.

Camilla Born MBE, chief executive of Electrify Britain said: “If we want lower bills, warmer homes and yes, better rugby, we have to Electrify Cymru.

“The next Welsh Government will be judged on this. Not on warm words, but on whether families and businesses are paying less, homes are warmer, and clubs like Bridgend Ravens are thriving.

“We are ambitious about what an electrified future for Wales can look like. It’s where the world has to go in the face of so much uncertainty, so let’s make Wales a leader, not a follower.”

In its open letter, Electrify Cymru asks party leaders to meet the campaign at the Brewery Field to discuss how electrification could be delivered across Wales.

It also calls on the next First Minister to put electrification on the agenda for their first meeting with the Prime Minister, arguing that the powers needed to deliver change sit across both Welsh and UK governments.

The Senedd Sources live podcast recording will take place at the Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday (Apr 28). Street food will be available from 6:00pm and tickets are free through seneddsources.com/live.

Crime

Dog owner admits causing suffering to pet with untreated skin disease

Published

12 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Staff Writer

Collie cross German Shepherd left suffering after illness went unaddressed, court told
A CARMARTHEN man has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog after failing to properly address a serious skin condition.

David Allen Murphy, aged 40, of Quay Street, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 11) after previously pleading guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that between November 28 and December 28, 2025, Murphy caused unnecessary suffering to a Collie Cross German Shepherd dog named Cora by failing to adequately investigate and address the animal’s skin disease.

Prosecuted by the RSPCA, the charge stated that Murphy either knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that failing to deal with the condition would likely cause suffering to the dog.

Murphy, of Flat 2, 12 Quay Street, entered a guilty plea on May 21.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with magistrates remanding Murphy on unconditional bail.

He is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 23, at 10:00am for sentencing.

Business

Welsh Conservatives demand answers over Tata Steel furnace delays

Published

13 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH CONSERVATIVES have called on the Welsh Government to explain who knew what, and when, about reported delays to Tata Steel’s new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot.

Shadow Economy, Energy and Planning Minister Janet Finch-Saunders MS raised the issue in the Senedd during an emergency statement following the recent fire at the steelworks.

While much of the focus has been on the fire, reports have suggested that separate concerns about delays to the electric arc furnace may have been known for several weeks.

It was reported on June 7 that Tata Steel had discussed potential delays linked to National Grid connectivity issues with “investors” during a conference call around a month earlier.

Mrs Finch-Saunders is now seeking clarity on whether those investors included the UK Government, which is investing £500m towards the £1.25bn project.

The previous UK Conservative Government also established an £80m transition fund to support workers at risk of losing their jobs. The Welsh Conservatives say they want clarification on whether any of that funding remains available if delays create further financial pressure for affected workers.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “If UK Government Ministers were aware of the issue a month ago, were Welsh Government Ministers informed?

“If Welsh Government Ministers were not informed, why not? If they were informed, why did the Economy Minister tell the Senedd that he only became aware of the delay on Monday?

“We now need a clear timeline setting out exactly when concerns first emerged and who was told.

“Port Talbot workers and their families deserve answers.”