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

To help you, Anesco recommends that you familiarise yourself with the following information that will help to minimise the chance of your measure(s) being rejected, delayed or put ‘at risk’ by Ofgem.

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

We have found that the CITB guide “General requirements and guidance for the installation of cold roof loft insulation” to be a good benchmark on which to check your current install processes, method statements and internal quality assurance activities.

A copy of this guide has been circulated with this brief to allow you to review your current process and inform your teams accordingly.

The common fails relate to the Ofgem technical questions below:

• 4: Has the loft hatch been insulated as specified in the relevant PAS2030 annex?
• 5: Has the loft hatch been draught proofed as specified in the relevant PAS annex?
• 6: Where down lighters or services have been fitted through the existing ceiling, have any measures been taken to prevent air leakage around down lights into roof void?
• 7: Have any and all working pipes and tanks been properly insulated? (including beneath the tank and overflows)

Why is it important?

• Failures against these questions mean the loft 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.

Next Steps

What do I need to do?

• Review guidance from the CITB ‘General requirements and guidance for the installation of cold roof loft insulation’ and update training and processes as appropriate.
• Brief all loft 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 on 10th April 2019)