Energy efficiency
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The OFT has published a review of the energy efficiency sector to encourage good business practice and greater consumer awareness in the energy efficiency sector.
Energy efficiency report
The energy efficiency sector is important and has the potential to provide significant benefits to consumers, business and the environment.
Consumers need to be confident that they have the information they need to purchase energy efficiency products and that businesses across the sector are complying with the law.
The OFT has identified certain practices, carried out by some businesses, which may fail to meet legal obligations, and could undermine consumer confidence and growth in the sector. The OFT's review found that the behaviour of some businesses in the energy efficiency sector - including instances of poor practice, some of which might breach consumer law - risk undermining consumer confidence and limiting expansion of the market.
- Download: Energy efficiency: empowering consumers, encouraging growth (pdf 2.5Mb)
Advisory letter to leading energy efficiency businesses
As a result of its review, the OFT has written to over 50 of the leading installers of double glazing, insulation and solar panels, drawing their attention to the issues raised in the OFT report and asking them to ensure they are providing consistently good standards to consumers.
- Download a copy of the letter (pdf 83kb)
Investigation
The OFT has also opened an investigation in the sector which focuses on business practices that raise particularly significant concerns. See the OFT's case opening notice for more information.
Guidance for consumers
The OFT has published guidance for consumers buying energy efficiency products.
Guidance for businesses
The OFT has published guidance for businesses selling energy efficiency products.
For more information about the OFT's work on energy efficiency, contact:
adam.maxfield@oft.gsi.gov.uk (Consumer Protection Review)
george.brenton@oft.gsi.gov.uk (Consumer Investigation and Home Insulation Call for Evidence)
mike.lambourne@oft.gsi.gov.uk (Consumer Investigation)
What's new
- Press release OFT advises energy efficiency firms on business practices (10 January 2012)
