LONDON: Climate change secretary Chris Huhne yesterday demanded that energy suppliers work harder to insulate lofts and walls.

Under the newly restructured government obligation on energy companies (CERT - Carbon Emissions Reduction Target), extended from March 2011 until December 2012: 68% of energy suppliers' work will now have to be met through professionally installed loft, cavity and solid wall insulation. With DIY insulation added, more than 80% of the scheme will be focused on insulation.

Previously just 60% was met through professional and DIY work. Energy companies will no longer be able to promote compact fluorescent lamp with a ban on light bulb mail-outs likely.

The changes to CERT will mean some 3.5 million more homes across Britain are expected to benefit from insulation, building substantially on the 2.5 million homes treated under the scheme since April 2008.

Mr Huhne said: "This is the beginning of a massive and urgent increase in home energy insulation for the nation. We are demanding that energy companies work harder to make homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run, especially for those who need it most."

The government announced in the Queen's Speech that it is to introduce legislation that will enable households to finance more expensive measures like solid wall insulation with no upfront costs.

Through the Green Deal, energy efficiency work could be repaid through a charge on a home's energy meter offset by the savings made on fuel bills, meaning many householders will benefit from day one. This Green Deal is expected to be available in late 2012. Ends 260 words