Thousands of UK households could be eligible for compensation after energy regulator Ofgem identified widespread issues with solid wall insulation installed under the government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
What Went Wrong?
The ECO scheme, designed to improve energy efficiency in homes, has come under scrutiny after numerous complaints about poorly installed solid wall insulation. Many homeowners reported issues including:
- Damp and condensation problems
- Reduced effectiveness of insulation
- Structural damage to properties
- Difficulty selling affected homes
Who's Affected?
The compensation scheme covers properties where:
- Solid wall insulation was installed between 2013 and 2022
- The work was completed under the ECO scheme
- There's evidence of substandard installation
How to Claim
Ofgem has established a dedicated claims process:
- Gather evidence of poor installation (photos, surveys, etc.)
- Contact your energy supplier who administered the ECO scheme
- Submit a formal complaint through Ofgem's portal
Important note: Claims must be submitted by December 2024 to be considered under this compensation scheme.
What Compensation Covers
Successful claims may include:
- Costs to remove and replace faulty insulation
- Repairs to property damage
- Compensation for increased energy bills
- Legal costs associated with property sales
An Ofgem spokesperson stated: "We recognise the significant distress caused to homeowners by these installation failures. This scheme ensures those affected receive appropriate redress while maintaining confidence in energy efficiency measures."
