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A strategy has been unveiled to encourage energy companies and the UK Government to boost energy efficiency investment north of the Border.

The plan aims to secure a greater share for Scottish households from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT).

CERT is an initiative that places an obligation on energy companies to provide households with subsidised energy efficiency measures, such as cavity wall and loft insulation, energy efficient appliances and low energy light bulbs.

The focus of the strategy is working with delivery partners in Scotland to introduce many more potential CERT customers to the energy supply companies.

The blueprint has been developed by the Scottish CERT Strategy Steering Group, which includes representatives from Government, energy companies and consumer and environmental interests.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:

"There has never been a greater need to improve the energy performance of Scotland's homes.

"High fuel prices are putting real pressure upon household budgets and more and more are falling into fuel poverty.

"Faced with this and our ambitious climate change targets, improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock presents a sustainable solution.

"The UK Government's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) has the potential to generate significant levels of energy efficiency investment in Scottish homes.

"However, I have been concerned for some time that Scotland is not getting its fair share of benefits through the programme.

"We cannot allow this situation to continue and securing our share of CERT funding is a key part of the Scottish Government's policy for improving the energy efficiency of existing housing."

The Scottish CERT Strategy Steering Group is made up of the Scottish Government, the energy supply companies, Ofgem and the Energy Saving Trust.

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