The second stage of Gordon Brown's political relaunch is likely to focus on household energy efficiency measures rather than one-off payments to help families with their bills, according to industry sources.

Ministers have struggled to persuade energy companies to fund a reduction of up to £100 in the electricity bills of the most in need, forcing Mr Brown to postpone an announcement planned for this week. Talks with the six biggest energy companies have been refocused on raising spending to help low-income households insulate their homes and use less electricity.