British Gas incentive should boost energy efficiency in homes

British Gas is offering a £50 incentive to anyone who refers a ‘vulnerable' person for free loft and cavity wall insulation as energy suppliers race to distribute money and hit energy efficiency targets before time runs out at the end of this year.

Commenting on the initiative, Kevin Sears, energy efficiency expert at uSwitch.com, says: "Over eight in ten people (83%) cut down or rationed their energy use this winter because of cost. For consumers battling high bills, energy efficiency is one of the biggest weapons they have. Loft and cavity wall insulation could cut bills by up to 40%, but unfortunately some people are put off by the initial costs.

"But with suppliers desperate to hit carbon reduction targets set by the Government, they are falling over themselves to offer consumers great deals on products such as insulation. The real challenge to suppliers is raising awareness of the money on offer - our research shows that over half of consumers (52%) have no idea that they can get this help and just a fifth (21%) have been contacted by their supplier about the scheme. This offer from British Gas should help draw attention to the help available, and could help more people cut their energy bill."