London considers so-called Green Deal

LONDON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A so-called Green Deal will help make more than 3 million homes in Great Britain more energy efficient, the country's energy secretary said.

Chris Huhne, the British climate and energy secretary, hailed a $48 million proposal that could help British homes benefit from better insulation.

Landlords under the deal wouldn't have to pay upfront costs to improve the energy efficiency at their properties.

British Gas Managing Director Phil Bentley said a partnership with Huhne would mean energy benefits to British households.

"With rising energy prices, there's never been a better time to improve the energy efficiency of Britain's homes," he was quoted as saying.

British households could see benefits from the Green Deal by 2012. Legislation to kick-start the process is scheduled for introduction in the British Parliament in December.