More help to save energy will be available to householders due to an increase in the Government's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme and the introduction of a new Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP).

Together, CERT and CESP will see extra investment by energy companies under the two schemes, taking the total to an estimated £3.5billion in energy efficiency improvements by the end of 2012. This will help the country meet our carbon targets under the Climate Change Act, as well as help us meet our fuel poverty targets.

The changes to CERT include:

• 20% increase in carbon emissions reduction target leading to a revised target of 185 million lifetime tonnes of carbon - the average annual savings of the programme are equivalent to the annual emissions of about 1 million homes
• The inclusion of Home Energy Advice as a measure that can be offered, where experts will visit householders and audit current energy efficiency allowing households to make simple, easy steps to reduce energy consumption and cut their fuel bills
• Estimated 60% of the total funding available under the enhanced scheme will go to low-income and elderly householders, who will receive free or substantially discounted energy saving improvements such as insulation
• An increase in the amount energy suppliers are able to devote to innovative energy efficiency methods, such as microgeneration and solid wall insulation - from 6% to up to 10% of their total target
• Removal of direct mail-outs of low energy light bulbs from 1st January 2010

The Government has also announced the details of the new Community Energy Saving Programme, to begin this Autumn, helping householders in low-income areas receive 'whole house' energy makeovers.

The introduction of CESP will see:

• Up to 100 community schemes set up benefiting around 90,000 homes and delivering a savings of nearly 2.9m tonnes of CO2 by December 2012
• The promotion of partnership working between the energy companies and local authorities and community groups
• Savings of about £330 per year on the energy bills of householders who receive help
• Energy generators will be obliged to take part for the first time

Minister of State in the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Joan Ruddock said: "Home energy efficiency has never been so important in achieving our long term goals on climate change and to making a real difference to householder's energy bills. This announcement delivers a major part of the Prime Minister's Home Energy Savings Programme that ensures people can save money and save energy, as well as reducing emissions."

(CD/JM)