Conservatives offer up to £6,500 to help tackle bills from energy suppliers - 27/11/2009
The Conservatives have pledged to help consumers pursue cheap energy rates by providing up to £6,500 per home to enable people to make their properties more energy-efficient.
If the Tories win next year's general election the plan will be instigated and could enable eligible households to install measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation to reduce bills and lower carbon emissions.
Homeowners would have to pay the money back, with interest, over 25 years, but the intention is that savings from the measures themselves will be more than the sum that has to be returned.
Critics have said fuel poor homeowners most in need of help will not benefit from the scheme as only homes that will end up saving more than they owe will be eligible.
Making a property fully energy-efficient costs an average of £8,200, according to the Building and Social Housing Foundation, which is significantly higher than the proposed sum on offer.
Buying modern, energy-efficient white goods can also help homeowners switch energy practices.
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