Energy Minister Natasa Pilides visited a listed building, which is being renovated in accordance with a new energy efficiency programme, to promote the Economising – Upgrading Households plan on Tuesday.

“The plan provides financial incentives for an extensive energy upgrade of existing homes, with the sponsorship rate increased to 60 per cent, while for consumers in need the rate is 80 per cent,” Pilides said.

As Pilides explained, the programme allows for 30m euros in the first phase, with a total budget of 70m euros which will cover 2021-2027.

“As we have seen, energy saving measures can be applied in all homes, even listed buildings,” she said.

The programme, which was announced on March 9, is part of a raft of new measures through which the government seeks to meet European targets and goals in terms of energy use.