OFTEC says no need for new registration schemes

OFTEC, Adrian Lightwood, PAS2035, Trustmark, ECO, renewables, refurbishments

OFTEC, the trade association for the oil storage, appliance and supply equipment manufacturers, is critical of government proposals to introduce further renewables installer registration schemes for the domestic sector.

The comments come in response to the Energy Company Obligation ECO3: Improving Consumer Protection consultation, which closed on Tuesday 6 August.

OFTEC Registration Director, Adrian Lightwood says: “OFTEC believes PAS2035 and Trustmark do not provide the answer to overcoming the quality and compliance issues which have been associated with the delivery of ECO funded installations.”

The association says that building services such as heating, hot water and electrical already have mature, long-standing training and registration schemes in place such as GasSafe and OFTEC’s competent persons scheme, which largely work to overcome this problem.

He says: “Introducing another scheme for installers to join is unnecessary and will just add undue financial burden on those who already have to belong to a certification body for PAS2030, a competent person scheme certification body for building regulations self-certification, and possibly the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC) if renewables are being installed.”

OFTEC is concerned that small, local installer businesses have already lost confidence in government schemes since the failure of the Green Deal. Lightwood emphasises the importance for government of gaining buy-in from these businesses and the associations who represent them if any scheme is to be successful.

“Government needs to get buy-in from various trades otherwise crucial retrofit energy measures will once again fail to gain traction. OFTEC would also like to see further industry consultation on PAS2035:2019 and how TrustMark can or will interact with established schemes such as competent persons or MCS.”

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