The Green Party has encouraged people to spend their SSIA money on environmentally friendly heating and energy systems instead of luxury cars and holidays.
Eamon Ryan, Green Party energy spokesman, said this was a "no-brainer" as oil, gas and electricity prices were rising so fast. "Oil prices can only go one way. We are at the end of the era of cheap oil," he said.
"Converting a house into a green home can involve an initial capital cost but the resulting lower fuel bills mean that the investment is often paid back in a few short years."
The party is encouraging investment in solar panels, wood pellet and wood chip stoves, boilers, attic and cavity wall insulation, double-glazing, heat pumps, energy-saving A-rated appliances and condensing boilers.
The Green Party is also promoting energy efficient cars that reduce petrol bills and carbon dioxide emissions. Surveys have found that up to 15 per cent of SSIA holders are considering buying a new car.
