Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Green Deal and ECO secondary legislation passed by the House of Lords: Framework on track for October 

The underpinning framework for the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) passed another milestone yesterday, 23 July, as the secondary legislation was approved by the House of Lords - keeping us on track to Framework completion by October.

In our consultation response, on 11 June, we confirmed Government's intention to introduce the Green Deal through supporting a responsible and controlled approach with full national systems testing. This is to ensure the market has the opportunity to build steadily.

From 8th August the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body will begin registering assessors, providers and installers. Ahead of the opening of the Register of Green Deal Participants, we will publish the Green Deal Provider Authorisation Guidance - essential reading for potential Green Deal providers on what they need to do to become established and authorised in that role.

From October authorised and accredited assessors will be able to begin operating so consumers will be ready to complete a Green Deal Plan at the end of January, when the relevant parts of the framework regulations come into effect.

Green Deal authorised installers will be able to complete work for consumers prior to the end of January if paid for upfront or wholly supported by the Energy Company Obligation. We expect the number of Green Deal offers available to build from there as more providers enter the market.

Also in October ECO begins, enabling energy companies and others to start delivering energy efficiency and heating measures.

Framework on track for October - look out for forthcoming summer announcements

HECA - we are revitalising the Home Energy Conservation Act requiring all English local authorities to report on proposed energy conservation measures to improve the energy efficiency of their residential accommodation - bearing in mind that the Green Deal can enable them to achieve this. We will shortly publish guidance to local authorities on the requirements and how they might consider framing their local priorities and ambitions - they are best placed to know the needs of their local residents, businesses and areas.

And continuing to ensure that Green Deal participants have the guidance they need to get going and to meet the needs of the programme, DECC is pleased to be supporting a project led by the Centre for Sustainable Energy to produce an interactive pack for community groups and others to enable them to prepare for and make the best of the opportunities presented by the Green Deal. The pack will provide robust guidance for communities on getting the best from the Green Deal in their area, including understanding the local housing stock and the opportunities for improvement; defining the options available in their locality, given the skills, resources and experience available within it; negotiating with Green Deal Providers and other parts of the Green Deal supply chain, and engaging local people in a refurbishment scheme.