Householders across England and Wales could be eligible for more than £1,000 worth of cashback for installing energy efficient measures.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey announced a total of £125 million is up for grabs for people who make energy saving home improvements such as installing loft insulation, solid wall insulation and new heating systems.

The rates currently available are guaranteed for the first £40 million of the scheme and the more energy efficient measures people install, the more cash they will be eligible to receive.

The cashback is part of the Government’s Green Deal scheme, which helps people pay for energy efficient improvements through savings on their energy bills. To qualify for the cashback, householders need to book a Green Deal property assessment so they can have the measures installed starting in the next two weeks.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “Our Cashback Scheme is a generous offer but it’s first-come, first-served so householders need to be quick off the mark. Get an assessment, be ready to have home improvements done with a Green Deal when it launches on 28 January and then get your cashback.

“This also sends a clear message to the industry that the Green Deal is coming. Green Deal Providers and businesses in the supply chain need to start gearing up to take full advantage of what promises to be an exciting new market.”

The cashback also applies to private or social landlords if they are the property improver and are paying the costs themselves. It is limited to one per household but can cover a variety of improvements as long as the householder is contributing to installation costs.