Government Takes Swift Action to Fix Poor-Quality Insulation Issues

In a significant move to protect homeowners, the government has announced immediate measures following widespread discoveries of substandard solid wall insulation installed under the inherited Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

What Happened?

Routine inspections by TrustMark—an independent body overseeing home improvement work—revealed numerous instances of poorly installed solid wall insulation. Since 2022, installations under ECO4 and GBIS have not met the expected quality standards, leading to concerns over issues such as inadequate ventilation, incomplete documentation, and exposed or missing insulation. Although these problems could eventually cause damp and mould, officials assure that they do not pose an immediate threat to safety.

Immediate Government Response

In response to these findings, the government has taken decisive action:

• Suspension of Installers: Thirty-nine companies have been banned from installing new insulation until the matter is resolved.
• Free Repairs for Homeowners: Installers responsible for the faulty work will be required to repair the defects at their own cost, ensuring that no household is burdened with additional expenses.
• Enhanced Oversight: Ofgem, the energy regulator, has been instructed to monitor the repair process closely. Affected homeowners will soon receive letters detailing the steps they need to take if they believe their insulation has been compromised.

How Will the Repairs Be Managed?

Ofgem is setting up a robust system to verify the quality of existing installations. The process includes:

• Initial Inspections: Qualified professionals will review every installation under these schemes.
• On-Site Checks: In cases where concerns are raised, inspectors will visit homes to determine whether further repairs are needed.
• Swift Corrections: Any identified issues will be addressed promptly by the certification body or TrustMark to ensure that insulation meets proper standards.

The Bigger Picture: Reforming a Broken System

Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, acknowledged the concerns of households that have had insulation fitted under these schemes. She emphasized that the poor-quality installations are symptomatic of a fragmented regulatory system that has long left consumers exposed to unreliable practices. This issue has prompted the government to propose sweeping reforms as part of the Warm Homes Plan. The new reforms aim to:

• Streamline Regulations: Overhaul the certification and monitoring process for installers.
• Enhance Consumer Support: Establish clear, rapid-response channels for homeowners facing issues with energy efficiency upgrades.
• Build Trust: Restore confidence in government-backed schemes that help reduce energy bills and improve home comfort.

Looking Ahead

With over 65,000 insulation measures installed under ECO4 and GBIS by the end of November 2024, the government is determined to protect homeowners while reconfiguring the regulatory framework. The upcoming reforms under the Warm Homes Plan promise a more cohesive system that ensures high-quality insulation work across all government schemes, including the Home Upgrade Grant, Local Authority Delivery, and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

As homeowners await further instructions from Ofgem, the government’s proactive stance signals a commitment to both immediate and long-term improvements in the energy efficiency landscape.

By addressing these quality issues head-on, the government is not only fixing current problems but also setting the stage for a more reliable and streamlined approach to home insulation—ensuring that households benefit from efficient, safe, and cost-effective energy solutions for years to come.