3.5 million homes to benefit from insulation

Changes to the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) means 3.5 million more homes across Great Britain are to benefit from home insulation.

By properly insulating homes, people can save money on fuel bills, protect the warmth of their home and cut carbon emissions.

The most energy inefficient homes in the UK could save around £550 per year on average by installing insulation measures.

Under the newly restructured Government obligation on energy companies, CERT, extended from March 2011 until December 2012, 68 per cent of energy suppliers’ work will now have to be met through professionally installed loft, cavity and solid wall insulation. With DIY insulation added, more than 80 per cent of the scheme will be focused on insulation. Previously just 60 per cent was met through professional and DIY work.

Also, 15 per cent of homes helped will be the lowest income households more at risk of fuel poverty and energy companies will now be stopped from promoting compact fluorescent lamps in order to prioritise insulation, further to the total ban on light bulb mail-outs.

Chris Huhne said: "This is the beginning of a massive and urgent increase in home energy insulation for the nation."

"We are demanding that energy companies work harder to make homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run, especially for those who need it most."

Further information:       
Department of Energy and Climate Change