The insulation industry is in chaos with reports of shonky installers and fly-by-night operators charging above market rates and pocketing the balance of the Federal Government’s $1,600 Insulation Rebate, at the expense of taxpayers.
A Federal Government inquiry has been lodged into the disorder surrounding the delivery of its Home Insulation Rebate, which is part of the Government’s $4 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package.
The Energy Efficient Homes Package scheme offers either $1,600 towards the cost of ceiling insulation or solar hot water, meaning homeowners can only claim one rebate.
The solar hot water industry is up in arms over the shambolic state of the insulation rebate, and has found that insulation installers avoid telling homeowners they cannot claim the solar hot water rebate if they claim the insulation rebate.
Commenting on the issue, Romano Bolzon, National Business Manager for Ecosmart said, “I have been advised of multiple reports of unprofessional operators in the insulation industry that are allegedly being dishonest with their customers and leaving them with the false impression that they are eligible to claim both rebates, and then over-quoting insulation jobs to pocket the balance
“These dodgy operators are effectively ripping off homeowners. They are preventing homeowners from using their entitlements in the most efficient way. Homeowners only get one chance at the rebate, and it’s a real shame that it is being spoilt for them,” he added.
Auditor-General, Coalition Environment spokesman Greg Hunt has received a number of complaints that some insulation installers are charging the Government for work they have not done, and have simply set up to take advantage of the rebate program.
Mr Hunt said, “There’s been an unjustified spike in the price on insulation due to the open-ended nature of the program and a shortage of batts, leading to installers using imported products thereby spending stimulus money on overseas jobs rather than Australian ones.”
Solar hot water has the potential to save homeowners around 30 per cent on their household energy consumption.
By installing a solar hot water system, households can expect to substantially reduce energy bills, while producing 75 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions per year than traditional electric water heaters – an overall saving of three tonnes of carbon.
EcoSmart Hot Water is an Australian owned and manufactured company, which is the second largest employer in the NSW Southern Highlands Region, and employs hundreds more tradesman throughout Australia.
EcoSmart Hot Water manufactures a comprehensive range of environmental hot water systems for the home, and is a part of the GWA International Ltd group of companies.
For information on EcoSmart Hot Water visit www.ecosmart.com.au
Media enquiries can be directed to:
Diana Bauer
City Public Relations
(02) 9267 4511
dbauer@citypublicrelations.com.au
