A number of incidents involving the installation of insulation have forced the Federal Government to introduce stricter guidelines for the rebate that was introduced as part of its Energy Efficiency Package. The Opposition's Shadow environment minister, Greg Hunt, has called for a Senate inquiry into the scheme, claiming widespread rorting, and that poor training of installers has led to injuries, house fires and one death.

The new guidelines have come after Master Electricians CEO Malcolm Richards met Environment Minister Peter Garrett last month to express his industry's concerns that unqualified installers are putting homes at risk. Just a week prior to their meeting a fire started in the ceiling of an East Geelong home just one day after insulation was installed. The house was fitted with downlights but investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire which extensively damaged the roof, plaster and paint, with smoke ruining most of the family's clothing.

The Environment Department has since banned the use of metal fasteners on foil insulation, and mandated the use of covers on downlights. The Government also requires homeowners to obtain two independent quotes from suppliers, and will name on its webiste any unqualified or unscrupulous businesses that have been struck from the register. Inspection of installations will also take place. One industry supplier said the compulsory second quote will simply lead to "back of a van" operators lowering their price by $50.

Robert Hegyesi, the managing director of Insulpak, said the emergence of unprofessional operators is "a little bit disappointing," but felt the audits and inspections, in theory, will see the wrong people get caught, and any shoddy work re-done. Otherwise, Mr Hegyesi said the rebate had been absolutely good for everyone, as it had created work for manufacturers, suppliers and installers. He said his business was doing better than most in obtaining supplies which have been in high demand since the scheme's introduction, and that the recent lowering of the rebate from $1600 to $1200 will see a small drop in demand.

Mr Hegyesi was none too concerned with the new and extensive government guidelines, and having to quote for jobs his company may not get. "To be fair, it's no different for anyone else. People might have to wait a bit longer to get their quotes and insulation, but otherwise it's fine."

by Ian Kenins

The Geelong Times

November 18, 2009