Greenpeace has welcomed European Commission proposals to put billions of euros of structural funding into installing double glazing and solar panels across Europe.

The Financial Times reports that the commission is expected to ask member states today (December 3rd) to allow local authorities to use EU funds to pay for energy-saving measures in low-income households, such as energy efficient windows.

According to the commission, the move would create new jobs, reduce energy consumption in Europe and bring down household bills.

Frauke Thies, of Greenpeace, said the plans were a big part of the European move towards using energy more efficiently.

She added: “For low-income households, energy costs are still making up a large share of the domestic budget.

“These sorts of households might hesitate to make investments in double glazing or putting in a more efficient boiler.”