The utilities companies are continuing to see several technical failures from Ofgem relating to cavity wall insulation measures.

As always, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the following as it contains information that will minimise the chance of your measure(s) being rejected, delayed or put ‘at risk’ by Ofgem.

In the first instance it is important that cavity wall insulation measures need to be installed in line with Building Regulations, PAS2030, and the manufactures instructions for the products are followed.

The common failures relate to the Ofgem technical questions listed below:

• Does the drilling pattern conform to the appropriate materials compliance certificate?
• Pattern stretched from manufacturers compliance certificate
• No drill pattern evident/gable not drilled/part of rear extension not drilled etc
• Heat loss perimeter walls inside integrated garages not insulated

Why is it important?

• Failures against these questions mean the cavity wall insulation measure is not ECO3 compliant and therefore, unless remediated, will result in clawback of the measure.
• If the pass rates from Scoring or Technical inspections are not over 90%, you will be placed on Pathway to Compliance by Ofgem where all measures submitted during the quarter are at risk, not just the failed measures.

What do you need to do?

• Ensure all crews are installing to Building Regulations, PAS2030 and manufacturer’s instructions for the products used. Where this is not happening, you should provide the necessary training for those crews.
• Brief all cavity wall installation crews on the above and challenge them as to what they can do to improve performance.
• Review internal processes and ensure your crews are installing the measure correctly every time and correcting where defects are found.
• Ensure photographs are taken of all elements of the installation and include in your post installation photographs during submission.

If you require further information, please contact your business development manager or the ECO team on 0845 894 4444.

(Released 10th April 2019)