European fund may help homeowners cut heating bills

HOUSEHOLDERS may soon be able tap into a European fund to help them save up to €1,000 a year in heating bills by insulating their houses properly and replacing old boilers.

The European Commission has said it will help finance the work to reduce carbon emissions, save energy and help boost economies by creating new jobs. But the Government would have to come up with some of the funding also, which might be difficult given the latest plans to cut state spending.

The proposal would help cover the cost of installing double-glazing, wall insulation and solar panels and replacing old boilers in low-income houses.