Elmhurst Energy has welcomed the publication of the long-awaited “Each Home Matters” report by Peter Bonfield, but has expressed disappointment at some omissions.
Despite having the scope of reviewing ‘Consumer Advice, Protection, Standards and Enforcement for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’ Elmhurst has pointed out that the report avoids a detailed analysis of why Green Deal was not well received by consumers. The company believes such findings may have better informed the industry and Government on how to tackle fuel poverty, poor energy efficiency in the UK housing stock and climate change targets.
Instead, it focuses on improving the quality of installation and providing consumers with better advice. The report recommends the need for a ‘quality mark’ for the domestic retrofit sector, with a new ‘Code of Conduct’; ‘Codes of Practice’ and a ‘Consumer Charter’.
“We commend the Bonfield team on a well presented report and it was particularly pleasing that Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are seen as the start point for energy efficiency measures and at the core of a new ‘data warehouse’,” comments Elmhurst Energy’s Managing Director, Martyn Reed.
“Unfortunately there is no analysis of the low take up of Green Deal plans and it is unclear why the new proposition would be more attractive. However, an expectation that ‘new private investors’ will be entering the market could be exciting. There is also no indication as to whether the role of Green Deal Advisors and Assessors will change in the future, but it is reassuring that assessments are to remain as an important tool. We look forward to working with BRE and the implementation team to help make this scheme a success.”
To read the full report click here. For more details on Elmhurst Energy, visit: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk
