The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has written to over 50 of the leading installers of energy efficient products such as LED lights, double glazing, insulation and solar panels, to ask them to ensure they provide consistently good standards.
This initiative is part of an OFT drive to raise compliance ratings across the energy efficiency sector.
A review of the sector was published today and it found instances of poor practices towards consumers such as high pressure sales techniques, unclear information about paperwork and poor quality installations.
Energy efficiency measures can provide major benefits to households through lower energy bills and warmer homes.
Indeed, installing LED ceiling spotlights and loft insulation will help you save money on heating and lighting in the long run.
To address the concerns that were raised in the review, the OFT is working with fellow enforcers, regulators, government, industry and consumer groups to promote a consistent level of business practice to consumers.
Director in the OFT's Services, Infrastructure and Public Markets Group Nisha Arora said many businesses in the sector comply with the law and engage in good business practices, but there are some that need to raise their standards.
"Energy efficiency products offer real benefits to consumers and the sector has significant potential for business growth. However, it is important that people can be confident the companies they deal with are complying with the law and that they are able to make informed purchases, without pressure sales techniques," she continued.
In response to the Wise-Up to Energy Efficiency report, the Trading Standards Institute's chief executive Ron Gainsford said that it will help consumers confidently benefit from worthwhile energy efficiency measures.
He added that it is hoped standards will now be driven up as a result of the report.
"It is of paramount importance that householders do not feel pressured in buying anything," he remarked.
