Government open new consultation on the Energy Company Obligation Jul 10, 2019

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has proposed changes to ECO3 designed to improve consumer protection.

The consultation will run to August 6^th with those working in the energy efficiency industry and tackling fuel poverty encouraged to respond.

The proposal includes incorporating TrustMark into ECO3, a Government endorsed qualification covering installations in consumer households.

If the changes were to be implemented, this would mean installers must be TrustMark accredited in order to install ECO measures.

The consultation continues to explain how the new demands would increase costs for suppliers and the industry, but that it considers this a necessary consequence of improving quality and standards in the industry.

Further changes proposed to ECO3

It has been recommended that the lifetime of first-time central heating should be increased from 12 years to 20 years, to recognise the lasting benefits of the whole system.

In addition, there may be a lift on the restrictions to the private rented sector that state ECO funding is not available for properties in EPC band F and G.

This is a result of research from BEIS indicating that the cost of installing measures such as first-time central heating is over the current spending cap outlined in the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, giving landlords exemption from installing the measure.

Also proposed is the extension of the LA Flex route to ECO funding, allowing first-time central heating to be part of in-fill schemes.

Responses will be analysed and the Government aims to respond by September with any changes in regulation discussed by parliament the following month.

Read the Energy Company Obligation (ECO3): improving consumer protection consultation.

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