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by Brendan Coyne
Fuel poverty charities have reiterated their fears that the poorest households may be overlooked and underserved by the Energy Company Obligation (Eco).
National Energy Action (NEA) told Utility Week it was “inappropriate and unacceptable that energy suppliers should be the arbiters of what measures are available and in what circumstances”.
Alongside concerns about Eco funding subsidising Green Deal measures for more affluent households, the NEA fears poorer households that receive Eco assistance under the Affordable Warmth element may receive inferior service and warranties. Service level agreements (SLAs) for the scheme are being put together by suppliers and the Department of Energy and Climate Change ahead of the imminent programme launch. The NEA fears manufacturers will “trim” warranties in order to reduce suppliers’ costs. Its spokesman called for transparency and urged government to “prescribe the packages of measures to be offered to eligible households and require mandatory levels of service”.
Carbon auction warning
Stockton-on-Tees councillor David Rose, involved in the largest private housing Community Energy Saving Programme in England, warned that Eco could become a carbon auction, with suppliers delivering the cheapest measures instead of targeting the most needy. He said councils “need to lead [on Eco] so that it is focused and targeted at those who need it most”.
This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 7th September 2012.
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