The proposals include the creation of a transparent public register of approved installers, a single advice and support service for households throughout the retrofit journey, stronger powers to hold installers and delivery partners to account, and a new data-driven system to identify quality and performance issues earlier.
The reforms aim to address problems experienced under previous government schemes, where some households were left with poor-quality installations and unclear routes for support and redress. The Government says the new measures will provide a simpler and more joined-up customer experience.
Changes are also proposed for the Energy Ombudsman, allowing consumers to escalate complaints more quickly and reducing maximum waiting times by around a month. The Ombudsman would also be given powers to fine companies that fail to comply with rulings.
Additional support is being introduced for households affected by defective solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). The Installation Assurance Authority has increased the maximum value of repairs covered under valid guarantees from £20,000 to £25,000, while the National Energy Foundation will provide support in certain cases where guarantees are missing, fraudulent or no longer valid.
The Government says more than 60% of issues identified through its audit programme have already been remediated and that improvements have been made to quality assurance and consumer protection processes across the sector.
The consultation forms part of wider efforts to improve standards, strengthen accountability and build consumer confidence as the Warm Homes Plan and other home energy efficiency programmes continue to expand.
You can read the Government press release here