Have I been conned?

Fight_Club

Hi I had someone come round about puttin cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, they were from the Mark Group, or an assessor working with them.

He said it was completely free no hidden charges.

It all looked good and I signed up and it's all being done in a few weeks.

Now I'm reading it looks like I do have to pay it back through my fuel bills? I'm going to be absolutely livid if I've signed up to this and find out that it is going to cost me.

Thanks in advance.

Ecodave

It sounds like you are talking about the Green Deal. When did the assessment take place, you should have a cooling-off period specified in the contract, either 7 or14 days.

It may be that you are entitled to support under the Energy Company Obligation, was that mentioned? If so, the installation may be free.

If they haven't been upfront about the details then whether or not you proceed with the installation, free or otherwise, you should make a complaint to the company involved. There are strict customer protection procedures built into Green Deal, your approach to them should include asking them to supply you with a copy of the code of conduct that they have signed up to, and also ask about their complaints handling policy.

But remember, installing loft and cavity wall insulation will save you lots of money on your fuel bills, if you are not entitled to any of the grants that are available, then you should still get them insulated. Further independent advice can be sought from the Energy Savings Advice Service on 0300 1231234.

Fire_Fox

Did you not read the contract before you signed? What does the clause say? Is there anything about cancellation in any of the paperwork?
http://www.markgroup.co.uk/

If you signed up at home you have a cooling off period of at least seven days (cancel in writing, use recorded delivery, keep the receipt).
http://www.oft.gov.uk/business-advice/treating-customers-fairly/doorstep-selling/#.UTO7JaUqbE0
http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/action/how-to-cancel-a-contract-without-being-penalised/

Fight_Club

Hi I read everything I signed nothing said anything about paying anything back or about a green deal. It was all just technical details. I've looked into it a bit further and I've noticed it says "ECO HTT NARROW" in a box marked "Scheme". I've had a look into it and it appears this may be free? Also if it was the Green Deal surely they would get me to sign something about what I would pay back etc? There was nothing whatsoever about me paying anything back or links to my energy provider - although they did ask me who it was. Getting a bit worried!

Ecodave

I guess whether or not you have been conned depends upon your perspective. If it is a Green Deal plan then the estimated savings on your energy bills will be greater than the charges that are made to your energy bills, so you would be better off.

The worst result for you is if this puts you off getting your insulation sorted out.

Ecodave

The HTT is Hard-to-Treat, and means, good news, this should be free!

Poppy9

Have you ensured your house is suitable for Cavity Wall insulation. It can cause more problems than it solves.

Fight_Club

Few and thanks very much. Can anyone clarify that I would get something specific to sign about how much I would be paying if it was the Green Deal? Because so far I haven't been asked to sign anything like that so which means I could rest easy I'm not going to get an increased fuel bill.

Thanks all

Ecodave

Yes, a Green Deal Provider would have had to have issued you a quote specifying charges for any installation.

Fight_Club

Wahoo!

and thanks.

Ecodave

It's worth mentioning that within the ECO obligation on the hard-to-treat walls, there are funds to support other insulation improvements. This is why the loft insulation is being included in your case. But I believe that the term "insulation improvements" may include double glazing, where this is specified as an improvement on an EPC. So if you have any single glazed windows that you want improving, this may be an opportunity to get at least some, possibly all of the cost paid for.

Hope this helps.