German minister seeks subsidies to save energy

BERLIN (Reuters) - The Economy Ministry has drafted plans to offer millions of euros worth of subsides to help consumers buy energy-saving appliances as a response to rising energy costs, a ministry spokeswoman said on Saturday.

She confirmed a report to appear in the Wirtschaftswoche business magazine that a study group for Economy Minister Michael Glos proposed offering subsidies of 150 euros to those who purchase energy-saving refrigerators and washing machines.

The plans known as PEPP (Projektgruppe Energiepolitisches Programm) also include measures to continue support beyond 2011 to 2015 for building renovations that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

(Reporting Thorsten Severin; writing by Erik Kirschbaum, Editing by Peter Blackburn)