Extra £100m to fund green home improvements

The government will offer an extra £100 million to home owners who want to insulate their property or make any other environmentally friendly improvements, the energy secretary has announced.

The extra funds will be announced by Ed Davey as an extension of the Green Deal home improvement fund at the Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow later on today.

Find more information about Insulation Grants and Funding here.

News from NIA – Hard pressed households face a very tough winter as support to install energy efficiency measures dries up

Ofgem’s latest ECO Compliance Update published on Friday 15thAugust 2014 makes very worrying reading for householders intending to apply for a free or heavily subsidised boiler or home insulation through the ECO scheme this Winter.  The Update which contains details of the number of energy efficiency measures that have been installed by energy companies under ECO and progress made  towards the ECO targets showed that two of the targets have already been met, some 9 months ahead of the schemes end date meaning that in theory no more measures now need to be carried out.

The current ECO runs from January 2013 to end March 2015 and the Ofgem ECO Update reported that at the end of June 2014,  based on the number of measures notified to Ofgem by energy companies the HHCRO target which provides free boilers and home insulation to vulnerable and fuel poor households was 97% complete.  The CERO target which provides free or subsidised solid wall, cavity wall and loft insulation was 55% complete against the original CERO target however, when the 33% cut in the original CERO target which was announced by Government on 22nd July 14 and the carryover of excess carbon savings of around 15% from the previous scheme are factored in, then the overall CERO target has already been exceeded.
This comes on top of the recent closure of the Governments Green Deal Home Improvement Fund and means that hard pressed households are now likely to find it very difficult to obtain the support they were expecting and needing to install heating and insulation measures this winter to heat their homes and reduce their fuel bills.
What can be done to improve the situation?
ECO – in its response to the consultation The Future of the Energy Company Obligation published on 22nd July 2014, DECC acknowledged that the changes to the current ECO were likely to result in greater cost savings for energy companies than were originally expected and that they would expect energy companies to ensure that consumers benefitted from these extra cost savings in a concrete way.  Subsequently, the Association for the Conservation of Energy has reported that the additional cost saving could be as much as £249m in the current financial year.
Therefore, we would urge Government and the energy companies to agree that these excess savings should be invested in the provision of additional energy efficiency measures this Winter through more ECO activity and/or by directing the funding to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund to enable it to reopen.
GDHIF – the GDHIF scheme closed unexpectedly on 24thJuly following a huge surge in uptake which saw around £70m of vouchers applied for in just a few days.  Since the scheme closure, there have been numerous reports of speculative selling and phantom vouchers with suggestions that a  large proportion of the vouchers applied for will not be redeemed in practice.   It is therefore vital that Government verifies all voucher applications and identifies the number of households that are unlikely to proceed with the works and redeem the vouchers as a matter of urgency.  This will identify how much of the £120m that has been applied for is unlikely to be spent and enable the scheme to be reopened as soon as possible.
In addition, we would urge Government to seriously consider injecting additional funds into the GDHIF at this point in time to help hard pressed households during what is expected to be a very difficult Winter.
Posted by Neil Marshall, National Insulation Association, Tuesday 19th August

NIA Response to GDHIF scheme closure

The announcement of the immediate closure for new applications to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is as much of a surprise to the National Insulation Association (NIA) and its members as it will be to householders across England and Wales. We are concerned that many householders who have paid for a Green Deal assessment in order to qualify, but not yet registered, may now lose out.

The NIA is calling on the department to investigate how the remaining budget of around £60 million was allocated so quickly in just two days. We are also currently in discussion with DECC regarding voucher redemption rates and whether they will consider to re-launch the scheme should funds become available.

People interested in improving the energy efficiency of their homes can receive updates about any possible future schemes by emailing gdhif@decc.gsi.gov.uk or call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

Applications to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund close

Due to overwhelming popular demand, the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is closed for applications with immediate effect.

Due to overwhelming popular demand, the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is closed for applications with immediate effect.

A surge in applications over the last two days means the allocated budget has now been reached.  All applications received prior to the fund closing that satisfy the terms and conditions and meet the eligibility criteria will be honoured at the original rates.

The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund was set up to help households in England and Wales improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, Amber Rudd, said:

“The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is a world first and in a short space of time it has proved extremely popular.

“We were always clear there was a budget which is why we encouraged people to act quickly.

“As a result,  thousands more families will now benefit from Government help to have warmer homes which use less energy.”

Earlier this week DECC announced changes to the scheme, caused by the hugely positive response since its launch at the beginning of June.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change will monitor voucher redemption rates and will consider whether to launch a further offer should funds become available.

People interested in improving the energy efficiency of their homes can receive updates about any possible future schemes by emailing gdhif@decc.gsi.gov.uk or call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

In December 2013, the government announced a £540 million three year energy efficiency package and up to £120 million will be available for home energy efficiency schemes from April 2015.

Department of Energy & Climate Change and Amber Rudd MP Published 24th July 2014

Cabinet reshuffle: Chancellor’s allies Matt Hancock and Amber Rudd join energy department

Matt Hancock replaces Michael Fallon as energy minister while Amber Rudd takes
on Greg Barker’s climate change brief.

Two allies of George Osborne have been appointed as ministers in the Department of Energy and Climate Change, prompting suggestions the Treasury is seeking to tighten its grip on green energy spending.

Matt Hancock, the Chancellor’s former chief of staff, and Amber Rudd, Mr Osborne’s former parliamentary aide, join the department after it was heavily criticised by the National Audit Office for handing out too much money to subsidise new renewable electricity projects.

The Treasury sets a finite budget for such green subsidies and has clashed with DECC previously in an attempt to drive down costs to consumers and industry.

Mr Hancock replaces Michael Fallon in the multiple roles of minister of state for Business, Innovation and Skills, for Energy and also for Portsmouth, as Mr Fallon is promoted to Defence Secretary.

Amber Rudd becomes Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Climate Change, inheriting substantially the same portfolio as had been held by Greg Barker as Minister of State.

Mr Barker, a key Cameron ally who was seen as one of the greenest voices in government, is to step down at the next election.

Peter Atherton, utilities analyst at Liberum Capital, said the appointments suggested that the Treasury would “tighten their over-sight of DECC”.

“There is likely to be a suspicion that these two appointments represent a move by Mr Osborne to place his supporters into a key ministry. Mr Osborne has raised concerns over the pace of the decarbonisation agenda and the resulting costs,” he said.

Mr Hancock is the fourth holder of the energy minister brief in the Coalition, following stints by Charles Hendry and John Hayes, leading to accusations from Labour’s shadow minister Tom Greatrex of a “revolving door” at DECC.

Mr Hancock’s wide-ranging responsibilities include North Sea oil and gas, just days after the Treasury announced a review of the fiscal regime, and overseeing a crucial shale gas and oil licensing round to offer companies fracking rights, which is expected imminently.

Malcolm Webb, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, which represents the North Sea industry, said that the appointment of “the fourth Energy Minister in less than two years” came at “a critical time” and called on ministers to minimise disruption.

Mr Hancock is also responsible for nuclear policy, as Britain awaits state aid clearance for the planned Hinkley Point plant, and for renewable energy deployment, amid growing concern about the scale of the government’s spending.

The NAO criticised DECC for using up the majority of the Treasury-set ‘Levy Control Framework’ budget for new green energy subsidies on eight projects that were awarded without competition.

Like his predecessor, who pledged to end onshore wind farm subsidies under a Conservative government, Mr Hancock is a critic of wind turbines on land.

He was one of 101 Conservative MPs to sign a 2012 letter declaring that “in these financially straitened times, we think it is unwise to make consumers pay, through taxpayer subsidy, for inefficient and intermittent energy production that typifies onshore wind turbines”.

He has opposed wind farms in his own West Suffolk constituency, saying he was “in favour of renewable energy but not when it destroys the very environment we are trying to save”.

Ms Rudd, a former venture capitalist, is the sister of Roland Rudd, founder of PR agency RLM Finsbury, and ex-wife of A.A. Gill, the writer and restaurant critic.

Her responsibilities include the embattled Green Deal and other energy efficiency schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation, which is in the process of being overhauled.

Mark McAlear, director of energy efficiency company EUM Group, said: “The reshuffle at DECC comes at a critical time for energy policy, particularly with crucial details still being determined and the long-awaited results of the Energy Company Obligation consultation yet to be published.

“We are concerned at the implication of these changes on policy and hope that both Angela Rudd and Matt Hancock move swiftly to help deliver the changes required and eradicate uncertainty in the industry.”

Ed Davey, the Lib Dem Energy Secretary, said: “I was particularly grateful to Greg for his support on my battles on climate and to Michael, for his backing for my pro-competition approach to the Big Six.”

The Telegraph 15th July 2014

Vacancy – Timber frame cavity/loft installers

Timber frame loft/Cavity wall installers required for busy Contract department. Experience preferred but training will be given installing insulation in timber framed buildings, also fitting insulation in loft spaces . Pay based on bonus scheme, OTE £500 per week.

All applicants must have full driving licence and preferably a CSCS card.

Please contact Branch Manager Andy Kenny on 01744 88 6111 or andy.kenny@hyperstage.co.uk/amenergy for more information.

Green Deal Home Improvement Fund has its biggest week yet

Funds issued for the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund have surged by £8 million in one week.

Funds issued for the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund have surged by £8 million in one week – taking the new scheme’s three week total to £16.5 million issued, according to industry estimates.

4490 households have applied for the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund which offers instant money back for making energy saving home improvements.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker, said:

“With the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund off to such an encouraging start, it’s the perfect time to make your home more energy efficient. Act now, get money for the improvements and enjoy a warmer home and lower energy bills this winter.”

Under the new incentive scheme domestic energy customers can get:

  • up to £1000 for installing two measures from an approved list; and/or
  • up to £6000 for installing solid wall insulation; and
  • up to £100 refunded for their Green Deal Assessment

The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund also entitles those who have bought a property in the 12 months prior to application to qualify for up to an additional £500 if they carry out energy efficiency improvements.

Vacancy – Branch Canvassing Manager – Insulation Services, Southampton

Branch Canvassing Manager– Insulation Services (OTE £50K+)

Field Based (covering the South of England)

Basic salary £20,800 (OTE £50,000+) Plus Company Car or Mileage Allowance

Working hours: Full time

We are a leading provider of insulation services. We are now looking for a driven and highly motivated Branch Canvassing Manager to join our team.

If you’re an ambitious marketing professional with proven team management skills, this is a great opportunity to increase your earnings and develop your leadership style within our growing company.

As the Branch Canvassing Manager, you will be responsible for leading the Canvassing Team to ensure the effective promotion of our cavity wall insulation services throughout the South of England.

Overseeing the activities of your team, you’ll manage and motivate them to achieve their targets and maximise sales of the company’s services within the region.

What’s more, you’ll be rewarded with generous commission on all fitted work, making this an excellent opportunity not to be missed.

To be considered for this role, you must have:

– Experience of managing the performance and development of a marketing/canvassing team with a proven track record of achieving and exceeding targets

– Proven experience

– A full driving licence

As the Branch Canvassing Manager, you must be an excellent communicator with great motivational skills and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.

Experience of working with renewable energy and insulations would be beneficial to your application.

For more information please contact Malcolm Hillyer, Branch Manager on 02380 814 813.

To apply for this position, please send a copy of your CV to recruitment@hyperstage.co.uk/amenergy.  We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview.

Vacancy – Field Representative – Insulation Services, South Wales

Field Representative – Insulation Services
Field Based (covering South Wales)
£Commission Only (£100 for each installed job; OTE £500+ per week)

Working hours: Full time

Are you a tenacious marketing professional seeking a challenging new role? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to take control of your earnings and thrive with a growing business offering full product training and fantastic progression prospects.

As a Field Representative, you will be responsible for securing our cavity wall insulation services to customers throughout the South Wales region.

Visiting potential customers within the area, you’ll actively promote the features of the company’s insulation services and explain how they’ll benefit each customer. You’ll quickly establish rapport and use a friendly, professional approach in order to close deals and generate work.

Enthusiastic and ambitious, as a Field Representative, you must have excellent communication skills and the ambition and desire to progress within a fast-moving business.

Previous door-to-door sales experience would be beneficial to your application, however full training will be provided.

For more information please contact Georgie Wright, Branch Manager on 02920 461 802.

To apply for this position, please send a copy of your CV to recruitment@hyperstage.co.uk/amenergy.  We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview.

Vacancy – Branch Canvassing Manager – Insulation Services, South Wales

Branch Canvassing Manager– Insulation Services (OTE £50K+)

Field Based (covering South Wales)

Basic salary £20,800 (OTE £50,000+) Plus Company Car or Mileage Allowance

Working hours: Full time

We are a leading provider of insulation services. We are now looking for a driven and highly motivated Branch Canvassing Manager to join our team.

If you’re an ambitious marketing professional with proven team management skills, this is a great opportunity to increase your earnings and develop your leadership style within our growing company.

As the Branch Canvassing Manager, you will be responsible for leading the Canvassing Team to ensure the effective promotion of our cavity wall insulation services throughout South Wales.

Overseeing the activities of your team, you’ll manage and motivate them to achieve their targets and maximise sales of the company’s services within the region.

What’s more, you’ll be rewarded with generous commission on all fitted work, making this an excellent opportunity not to be missed.

To be considered for this role, you must have:

– Experience of managing the performance and development of a marketing/canvassing team with a proven track record of achieving and exceeding targets

– Proven experience

– A full driving licence

As the Branch Canvassing Manager, you must be an excellent communicator with great motivational skills and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.

Experience of working with renewable energy and insulations would be beneficial to your application.

For more information please contact Georgie Wright, Branch Manager on 02920 461 802.

To apply for this position, please send a copy of your CV to recruitment@hyperstage.co.uk/amenergy.  We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview.