Call for Evidence: Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Certification requirements for clean heat schemes Consultation

Yes, I'm intereted in this, both parts please. I'm just on my dinner, so cant respond any more at this time. Thanks, Alan.

Hi everyone,

I'm an IET member, part of the IET's sustainability and net zero policy centre which Sam coordinates and we'll be preparing and submitting this response on behalf of the IET. I second what Sam said, it is vitally important that government policy is guided by learning from practical experience, especially for a policy which will have such a direct impact on the comfort, wellbeing and pockets of households like our own, as well as the livelihoods of those who work in the industry. I hope that as many of you as possible who have experience of dealing with both the BUS grant and the MCS certification schemes can provide your input. If you know others who could contribute, please share this with them as well.

Thanks again,

Will

Just a quick thought - the simplest most effective "scheme" that I recall was for loft insulation (quite a few years ago now) where the subsidy simply reduced the retail price of the material. All these later schemes seem very admin heavy - requiring either the householder or installer (typically a small business with few if any dedicated admin staff) "applying" in some form, having to provide evidence or certificates or sign up to a long term loan, send in, send back, queried, recycled as firelighters (OK not quite, but you get my drift) and often having to wait an inordinate length of time for the actual money to arrive, or not being sure it ever will (e.g. for some of the schemes that were over-subscribed). The admin alone is a disincentive, and I'd guess a costly process (for both the applicant and the government). Sure, I can see the desire that tax payers money shouldn't be used to fund things which might turn out to be inadequately installed etc. but I feel there comes a point where you'd get more and better results for the money overall just by keeping thing simple and just letting people get on with it.

   - Andy.

Have to agree with Andy's view on this. Too many mandarins and schemes involved. Just discount the materials and let people who wish to, get on with it.

Apart from the issues already raised with which I agree.  I have seen a few solar installations done by certified companies that did not comply with the appropriate regs as well as some well done. From my experience I would suggest that the certification schemes are not doing sufficient QA of installations.  

Also given the poor Part P installations I have seen I would suggest that registration is not the answer.