Brown unveils billion-pound energy plan 

September 11 2008

Gordon Brown has unveiled a one billion pound, three-year energy-saving initiative to help those struggling to pay soaring fuel bills.

The six major energy suppliers will contribute to the package but will not be hit by a windfall tax on their profits.

Gordon Brown, "I believe this combines the different objectives that we have got to meet".

"First of all, we want to keep energy bills as low as possible and I do not expect the 910 million pounds that we raise to be passed on to the consumer by the energy companies.

"We want to maintain high levels of investment in future energy capacity."

Hilary Benn, the Environment Secretary, said pensioners and people on low incomes or benefits would receive free loft and cavity wall insulation, while others would receive a 50 percent discount.