Solar PV and fuel bill rebate ''could both benefit pensioners''

Posted by Andrew Marshall

A new deal should provide lower fuel bills to pensioners struggling to pay for their heating this winter, which could complement savings obtained through installing solar PV.

A deal with the six biggest energy suppliers and the government will see 250,000 of the poorest pensioner households receiving an £80 rebate on their bills, which could be an additional help to those already focusing on increasing their environmental efficiency.

Yvette Cooper, secretary of state for work and pensions, emphasised the importance of ensuring that vulnerable pensioners are not afraid to turn up their heating.

Ed Miliband, energy and climate change secretary, claimed that the breakthrough would see the poorest and most vulnerable given additional help.

He said: ''It will also test how future energy bill rebates could reach those most in need of help.''

Meanwhile, Zoe Leader - sustainable homes policy officer for WWF-UK - claimed that the government should address green building investment in order to make carbon savings and improve energy efficiency.