Householders that have received vouchers to install energy efficiency measures have been given more time to use them.

The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) allows consumers to apply for cash in the form of vouchers for energy-saving installations such as double glazing and solid wall insulation.

It was opened in July last year, with vouchers worth up to a maximum of £7,600 on offer. With around £120 million vouchers snapped up during the first release, the scheme was forced to close after just six weeks.

It was opened again for the second time, with up to £30 million worth of extra vouchers dished out in December.

The extension announced today applies to around 3,900 vouchers from the first release that expire or have already expired between December 2014 and 31st March 2015. Vouchers from the second release will not be affected.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund has been going like hotcakes – winter can be a difficult time to get installations done so by giving more time to voucher holders they can join over one million homes already benefitting from a warmer, cheaper winter thanks to our energy efficiency schemes.”

Until the end of December, more than 11,000 vouchers have been paid and nearly 13,700 measures installed through the GDHIF – a total of £54.3 million claimed.