New advice service to be trusted voice on energy, water and waste

Carl Sargeant said:

“We have all received dubious cold calls offering us access to government schemes to save money on home insulation or solar panels.  For example, Merthyr Trading Standards has advised consumers on what to ask if they are approached with an offer of home insulation using a government voucher.  Caerphilly Trading Standards has also received numerous calls on these issues.  These are almost certainly a small section of the many more consumers who have cause for complaint.

“I want people to be reassured that if they phone the Resource Efficient Wales service, they will get help they can trust from the Welsh Government, such as information on what we fund, and on the questions to ask in order to make an informed decision.  

“However, Resource Efficient Wales will offer much more; it will draw on the expertise of 73 organisations to provide professional advice and support to householders, communities, businesses, third sector organisations and public sector bodies on all aspects of resource efficiency, including renewable energy generation.”  

On the issue of cold calling, Matthew Cridland, Chair of the Wales Heads of Trading Standards, said:

“Trading Standards Services across Wales are eager for consumers seeking to improve their energy efficiency to have access to good quality advice and support; so this is a useful tool. This has been an area of concern for a number of years with complaints and enquiries in relation to consumer energy concerns on the rise.

“In the last two years, Welsh consumers have complained to Trading Standards on 1492 occasions in relation to central heating issues and on 730 occasions in relation to insulation issues.”

Resource Efficient Wales (external link)