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An interesting thread here about the lessons from Australia's disastrous energy efficiency stimulus scheme. Some thoughts follow on what needs to be done to avoid these risks with the new Green Homes Grants... https://twitter.com/sarahjnickson/status/1280470701309231109
The two big risks for consumers are:
poor quality work - or works that are completely inappropriate for the home
scams and mis-selling*
*which our antipodean colleagues call 'rorting'
We've seen both in GB schemes in recent years...
poor quality work - or works that are completely inappropriate for the homescams and mis-selling**which our antipodean colleagues call 'rorting'
We've seen both in GB schemes in recent years...
The government is better placed to avoid these issues than it was in the past. @beisgovuk is well aware of the problems with past schemes. From the Each Home Counts review, they have a good idea what's needed to get things right:
High technical standards and entry requirements for firms. Rigorous monitoring before, during and after installations. Kicking out firms those who can't or won't meet standards... http://www.eachhomecounts.com/next-steps/
Looking at the new scheme, the proposed voucher approach will be good for competition and SMEs. But could make delivering quality harder than in a scheme with a single central delivery body. This makes other quality controls crucial...
So does the rapid turnaround. After years of shrinking, the number of energy efficiency installers will have to shoot up. Short-term schemes like this can attract poorly-trained, fly-by-night firms, leading to the problems we've seen in the past...
So what's the government's approach?
Since Each Home Counts, standards for installers have been improved. The govt has given @TrustMarkUK a key role making sure firms meet these standards. Trustmark membership will likely be the entry requirement to this scheme...
Since Each Home Counts, standards for installers have been improved. The govt has given @TrustMarkUK a key role making sure firms meet these standards. Trustmark membership will likely be the entry requirement to this scheme...
Trustmark recently started covering the existing Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme (initially alongside an existing monitoring system). But this new scheme will be around 3 times as big (per annum) as ECO...
So:
The government needs to make sure Trustmark has the resources and can carry out sufficient checks to deliver high standards...
The government needs to make sure Trustmark has the resources and can carry out sufficient checks to deliver high standards...
Data on monitoring and enforcement rates will be a key part of this, both before the scheme starts and as it progresses. Government needs to evidence its quality control approach...
The government needs to announce its long-term plans in this area ASAP. The 1 year scheme clearly needs a follow-up. And long-term certainty will make easier for reputable firms to invest in skills and join the market...
There needs to be clear information and advice for consumers. There already seems to be dodgy information about the new grants emerging online. We need to remember that we are talking about not just an infrastructure project, but changes to people's homes. 
