£100m more to help cut energy bills - but people need to switch

An extra £100m of Government money has been earmarked for a scheme to help people keep their homes warmer this winter. Energy Secretary Ed Davey used the Liberal Democrat conference to announce the cash yesterday.

It will be used for the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund which encourages energy-saving home improvements by offering cashback and incentives on double-glazing, insulation and boilers.

The scheme was launched last year but was criticised for being too complicated. A simplified scheme relaunched in June with £120m, which was snapped up in a month.

The new cash will be offered to households before the end of November, Mr Davey said, adding: “More money means more people in warmer, greener homes sooner.”

Full details will be announced in November.

The best way to save money on energy bills? Switch supplier or tariff and the savings could be £300 a year. Despite that, less than a quarter consider switching deals each winter, according to research published today by energy watchdog Ofgem.

Ann Robinson of uSwitch, said: “The fact that only 23 per cent say they will shop around for their energy as part of their winter checklist means that millions could be compromising on their health in order to get by.

“The difference between the cheapest and most expensive tariff is £300, so switching will help hard-pressed consumers before the cold weather starts to bite.”