Report says some energy efficiency firms are not up to scratch

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said a number of energy efficiency companies are guilty of “poor practice”, after publishing an in-depth review of the sector.

Substandard work that it came across included “high pressure sales techniques, unclear information about paperwork and cancellation rights, and poor quality installations”.

The OFT has duly written to over 50 of the UK’s leading double glazing, insulation and solar panel installation firms, asking each to ensure they are maintaining high quality standards within their organisation.

“Energy efficiency products offer real benefits to consumers and the sector has significant potential for business growth”, said Nisha Arora, OFT director of services, infrastructure and public markets.

“However, it is important that people can be confident the companies they deal with are complying with the law, and that they are able to make informed purchases, without pressure sales techniques.”

Alongside renewable energy, energy efficiency is seen as vital in aligning the UK’s energy sector onto a low-carbon path.

The OFT said that the wider energy efficiency sector had recorded sales of around £18 billion in 2010/11 – a figure that it expects to rise in the future.

Arora added, “Many businesses in this sector comply with the law and engage in good business practices but we urge others to raise their standards. Businesses that fail to address the issues that we have identified risk enforcement action.”

Further reading:

Time for a change in energy policy

Meeting the 2050 carbon reduction target with energy technology

Why policy is the biggest stumbling block of all for renewable energy

The Guide to Limitless Clean Energy