Decisions and Actions

Transcription

1 Meeting Title: Green Deal Provider Forum Date of Meeting: 26 th September 2014 Attendees: Listed in Annex A 1. Welcome and Introductions The Co-Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited introductions from the participants. 2. Actions from the previous meeting An update on each of the actions is provided in Annex B. 3. CCA Compliance and FCA Regulation DECC recapped to Forum members the current understanding of the FCA requirements for Green Deal Providers (Providers) i.e. That Providers writing Green Deal Plans (Plans) will require full permissions and Green Deal Installers (Installers) and Green Deal Assessors (Assessors) introducing consumers to consumer credit (i.e. referring consumers to Green Deal Providers so that a Plan may be agreed) will require limited permissions. DECC reported that the webinar will be organised by the GD ORB and DECC together FCA to go through the authorisation process. Forum members all reported that the key areas requiring clarity and guidance are the applications process itself, such as the level of detail required for a successful application, and the application timetable from interim permission to full authorisation. Forum members agreed that a pre-webinar conference call would be useful to gain agreement on the important questions and issues : The GD ORB to schedule a pre-webinar conference call in order to identify and secure consensus on the most important questions and issues requiring attention at the FCA webinar. It was reported that the GD ORB Guidance Communication covering the key issues is being finalised and will be circulated to Green Deal Participants. It was reiterated that clarity on the timetable for the transition from interim permissions to full permissions is a priority, as a number of Providers had been informed that they each have an individual application date in contrast to the message received by others : The GD ORB to clarify and confirm with the FCA the timetable for applications for full permissions for Green Deal Providers, and communicate this to Providers. 4. Lessons learned from GDHIF and Cashback DECC reported the following updates in relation to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF): The majority of GDHIF applications have been converted into vouchers. A group of around 900 applications are pending (vouchers not yet issued) because the information submitted with the application was incomplete or incorrect, or the updated information has not yet been received following request. Pending applications will be deemed to be cancelled if the required information, or reason why information cannot be supplied, is not submitted within the set timescale. Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 1 of 8

2 DECC asked Forum members to follow up with their customers to prevent their applications being cancelled GDHIF vouchers have been redeemed to the end of August to a value of 5.5m. Processing time for applications is now a maximum of 30 working days, with many applications taking less time (processing is completed quickly when the application is completed properly). In response to a question about the length of time taken to process applications and redemptions, DECC reported that next year s scheme would be more automated and therefore efficient. DECC reported that it was organising a Workshop on future incentive schemes for the 16 th October. It was reported that several Providers are attending and that there is space for a further two Provider Forum members to attend. It was agreed that Forum members Roy Tomkinson (Solarwise Renewables) and Nina Heigham (Aran Services) would attend. Forum members were invited to ask further questions and submit comments for consideration for the design of future incentive schemes. Providers noted the following points for consideration: Support levels. Further assessment of the GDHIF support levels needs to be undertaken. One Forum member stated that a potential method for setting the level of support is to use the carbon gap created by the changes to the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO), which GDHIF is designed to plug, for price discovery. Scheme design. Was the scheme design too simple or too complicated (has having simple scheme terms and conditions opened up the scheme to additional risks?). DECC reported that on issue relating to Installers centred on establishing whether the improver made a contribution to the cost of the installation, a stipulation in the GDHIF Terms and Conditions. Delivery method. Providers noted that a key disadvantage with delivering GDHIF via Green Deal Installers (Installers) is that the Green Deal is unlikely to be promoted, amounting to a missed opportunity. Administrator checks. A Forum member raised a concern that vouchers were being awarded for problematic applications before it had been established that the application met the scheme requirements. DECC invited members to submit any evidence of this, which would be investigated further. External Wall Insulation. A Forum member stated that if any GDHIF funding was rereleased in the current financial year, it needed to be done in November or December at the latest as EWI jobs require more time and will not be completed in time for the cut-off, effectively halting any EWI work being started. DECC reported that no decisions regarding recycling of GDHIF funds have been made, and that the strict rules around these scheme budgets may restrict the amount of flexibility available to DECC. Blending GDHIF and ECO. A Forum member enquired why GDHIF and ECO cannot be blended to cover the cost of installations. DECC confirmed that this was due to the risk of double counting, and to ensure that consumers made a contribution to the installation. Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 2 of 8

3 DECC confirmed that it is producing an agenda for the day which will be shared with participants ahead of the Workshop : The GD ORB to organise a conference call, when the agenda for 16 th October Workshop is circulated, to agree the key points ahead of Workshop. 5. Updates to the Forum a) GD ORB Update The GD ORB supplied an update for Forum members in the following areas: GD ORB Communications An update on published Communications since the previous Provider Forum meeting. GD ORB reported that COMM022 - Guidance for Claims of Conformity for PAS 2030 installations was circulated. GD ORB Provider Audits The GD ORB reported that the audits will be more risk-based in 2014/15. The GD ORB also reported that it would be conducting a set of Green Deal Installer audits for Installers acting in the GDHIF scheme. A small number of Provider with Installer status may also be included. GD ORB Website the GD ORB reported that the new members area for Green Deal Providers will soon be launched. The area will be accessed with a username and password and will contain useful resources for Providers, as well as downloadable current and existing meeting papers and Communications. Owing to time constraints, sub-items b) ECO Post-2017 Workshop update, c) CPD for Green Deal Advisors and d) DECC Consultations were not discussed. Providers are invited to submit any comments or questions on these items to GDORBMeetings@gemserv.com 6. GDAA Key Issues and Developments The GDAA Panel Chair updated the Forum with the following key developments: It has been agreed that the GDAA variable cost recovery model will be replaced by a fixed and variable costs model. The Change Proposal is currently with the Secretary of State for consent. Progress on the establishment of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been temporarily put on hold until there is clarity from DECC on the level of funding from 1 st April Members enquired about whether there were potential efficiencies within the GDAA. The GD ORB confirmed that, to help with understanding, the budget information would be supplemented by some narrative. 7. Provider Forum Representatives for Green Deal Advisory Group The Chair explained that the Provider Forum has two places on the Green Deal Advisory Group (GDAG). Members were invited to nominate themselves for a place. The Forum agreed that Roy Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 3 of 8

4 Tomkinson (Solarwise Renewables) and David Reason (Wolseley) would represent the Provider Forum at GDAG. Jane Knight (Network Green Deal) was chosen as an alternate. 8. Issues Log update and critical issues for next meeting Members were invited to suggest additional items to be added to the Provider Forum issues log. The new key issue raised by the Forum was around the various Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) software engines. Provider Forum members reported that the different engines produced different outputs when run with the same data. Providers stated that this was damaging for consumer confidence and trust, as the consumer could receive a number of different reports containing different figures. Provider Forum members stated that it would be beneficial to have one EPC software engine, or several which were configured in the same way, to produce consistent results. The GD ORB agreed to record the issue on the Issues Log, raise the issue with the DECC technical team, and add the issue to the agenda for the next Provider Forum meeting : The GD ORB agreed to raise the EPC software issue to the DECC technical team and add the issue to the Provider Forum issues log. 9. AOB No further items were raised. The next Green Deal Provider Forum meeting will take place on: 28 th November, Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 4 of 8

5 Annex A No Organisation Type 1. British Gas Green Deal Provider 2. EDF Energy Green Deal Provider 3. InstaGroup Green Deal Provider 4. Aran Services Green Deal Provider 5. Infinity Energy Green Deal Provider 6. Westdale Green Deal Provider 7. Wolseley UK Green Deal Provider 8. Network Green Deal Green Deal Provider 9. Climate Energy Green Deal Provider 10. SSE Green Deal Provider 11. DECC Government 12. DECC Government 13. DECC Government 14. Gemserv GD ORB 15. Gemserv GD ORB Apologies 1. npower Green Deal Provider 2. Osborne Energy Green Deal Provider 3. Your Green Deal Provider Green Deal Provider 4. HELMS Green Deal Provider 1. Anesco Green Deal Provider 2. MEB Green Deal Provider 3. Carillion Green Deal Provider Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 5 of 8

6 Annex B Actions Outstanding Action Ref Description By Who Action GDPF07-01 Action GDPF07-02 Action GDPF07-03 Action GDPF07-04 DECC to circulate identity of policy leads to Provider Forum via the GD ORB when they become available. Provider Forum to convene a workshop on the regulation of the Consumer Credit Act and developing a common approach for Providers to obtaining requisite FCA permissions. The GD ORB to schedule a pre-webinar conference call in order to identify and secure consensus on the most important questions and issues requiring attention at the FCA webinar. The GD ORB to clarify and confirm with the FCA the timetable for applications for full permissions for Green Deal Providers, and communicate this to Providers. The GD ORB to organise a conference call, when the agenda for 16th October Workshop is circulated, to agree the key points ahead of Workshop. The GD ORB agreed to raise the EPC software issue to the DECC technical team and add the issue to the Provider Forum issues log. Date of completion GD ORB 26/09/2014 Provider Forum 26/09/2014 GD ORB 28/11/2014 Update The relevant DECC policy leads will be circulated to the Provider Forum members alongside a Green Deal Policy Planner, which is set to be circulated in the near future. The GD ORB is planning a workshop/webinar to facilitate a greater understanding of the FCA s requirements and help Providers gain clarification and guidance on the authorisation process. The GD ORB will circulate details to Provider Forum members when finalised. New action GD ORB 28/11/2014 New action GD ORB 28/11/2014 Post-meeting note: An FCA Webinar teleconference was held on 20 th October. New action GD ORB 28/11/2014 New action Post-meeting note: A GDHIF Workshop teleconference was held on 14 th October, to agree key issues to be raised at the 16 th October GDHIF workshop. Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 6 of 8

7 Actions Closed since the previous meeting Decisions and Actions Action Ref Description By Who DECC/ GD ORB to consider providing a 'key changes' document to Providers explaining the changes to the legislation and any impact it may have on their operations. DECC to consider how the Code of Practice changes process can be improved to allow input, feedback form the Provider Forum/ Providers before the changes are implemented. The GD ORB to report discussion back to the Installer Forum meeting and take further action if required. DECC/ GD ORB Date of completion 19/09/2014 DECC 19/09/2014 GD ORB 19/09/2014 Update The key changes introduced by the amendment to Section 189 of the Consumer Credit Act are found in the Government's addendum to the Government's response to the consultation. A link to the addendum may be found here: uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/270290/ Addendum_to_Government_response_-_FINAL_ pdf The next Code of Practice update timeline has not been set yet. The issue of the need for an improved process for feedback and input on Code of Practice changes has been recorded on the Provider Forum issues log. The GD ORB invited feedback from the Installer Forum on the issue reported by the Certification Body Forum relating to Providers requesting additional paperwork to be completed. Installer Forum members fed back that Providers' current practices are not causing issues for Installers. Additionally, the GD ORB can confirm that there are no requirements relating to paperwork in PAS PAS 2030 does set out the nature and extent of information to be recorded, retained and made available to other, but permits flexibility around how to meet the requirements. No further action is required and the action has been closed DECC to respond to Provider Forum questions regarding the Golden Rule refinement options submitted to DECC last December. DECC 19/08/2014 The GD ORB circulated the following update to the Provider Forum on 19th August - DECC is continuing to look at the role of private finance in supporting energy Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 7 of 8

8 efficiency improvement and how the Green Deal finance offer can be improved, including the role of the Golden Rule within this. The timetable for any consultation/ proposals will need to be determined by Ministers. Provider Forum members were invited to submit evidence at the Provider Forum 06 meeting in July, and via the DECC GDHIF communications circulated by the GD ORB Green Deal Provider Forum members to submit to DECC any evidence or information relating to fraudulent activity in the GDHIF scheme. DECC to report back to the Forum with an update on the GDHIF including information and statistics on the scheme, as and when they become available. Provider Forum members 11/08/2014 DECC 19/08/2014 Evidence submitted to the GD ORB has been forwarded to DECC. A DECC GDHIF update covering voucher processing, redemption rates, voucher payments and verifications was circulated to the Provider Forum on 19th August The GD ORB to draft a Communication to Green Deal participants on the dangers of buying fraudulent GDHIF vouchers from other companies. GD ORB 19/08/2014 DECC and GD ORB worked closely together to communicate key messages on non-compliant behaviour in the GDHIF, which was circulated to all registered GDHIF Providers and Installers and to all Green Deal participants. The GDHIF communication can be found here: Date issued: 22 October 2014 Version: Final Page 8 of 8