Potential Scam

Dear Colleagues

This message is being sent out to all NHW coordinators on behalf of the Sussex NHW Federation.

Dear Friends,

 

I have been advised  of a potential Scam and concerned it  may spread in to your areas, the information below, came from a NHW colleague that works in the Energy Efficiency Sector  and by the end of December a certain funding scheme called CERT/CESP is coming to an end which so far offered free Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation.

 

As of 28th January a new double - funding scheme starts called Green Deal and ECO.

This means that certain household are eligible to free installations (ECO), some subsidised (ECO) and some other can be installed for the household and repaid through their electricity meter (Green Deal).  It is a simplified explanation but it covers the basics.

 

Now there are many companies out their scamming the more vulnerable into buying energy efficiency measures such as External Wall Insulation or Solar PV installations under what they call "the Green Deal".  These companies promise residents that they can take out a credit agreement with them under the government scheme or they tell the customer to pay up front and reclaim via Green Deal.

 

All of that is complete nonsense (in Red) 

 

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have published some quick guides on Green Deal and ECO (seehttp://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/green_deal/gd_quickguides/gd_quickguides.aspx) explaining the situation in plain English.

 

Essentially, any person who is contacted by any company trying to sell them Green Deal or any other energy efficiency measure should contact the ESAS - Energy Saving Advice Service run by the Energy saving trust http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Organisations/Government/Energy-Saving-Advice-Service!  They are independent and are able to advise the customer if they are being scammed and also what they should do next.

 

Please feel free to pass on to your family and friend’s.

 

Seasonal Greetings

 

John

 

John Wright
Chairman
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.
( Mobile:     07917 385213
(   Business:    01444 247368
š  Email:john.w.wright@btinternet.com
š   Web:   www.sussexnwfed.org.uk