Green electricity schemes 'mustn't be cut'

The government needs to do all it can to maintain green energy schemes, a number of groups have stressed.

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has been contacted by 22 groups, the Guardian revealed, over fears that subsidies for green electricity are to be slashed.

Their fears were ignited following comments from the Department of Energy and Climate Change's Minister of State Charles Hendry, who indicated that spending was undergoing a thorough review.

"As you know, heat is responsible for 47% of UK emissions and 49% of UK energy demand, so no government serious about climate change or energy security can ignore half the problem," the signatories are reported to have stated.

It seems there is demand for eco-friendly home improvements, as figures from Sainsbury's Finance show they accounted for 19.5% of the total value of personal loans taken out in the UK in the first six months of this year.

Posted by Ruth Bradshaw