FAQ
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What is the Island Insulation Scheme?
It is a scheme to offer free and discounted home insulation to owner-occupiers and those living in private rented accommodation on the Island. The Scheme is endorsed by the Isle of Wight Council.
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When will it be launched?
It was launched on 11 October 2009 at the Big Day Out.
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Who are the Partners?
The Scheme is funded by E.ON and endorsed and promoted by the Isle of Wight Council. On-Island delivery of the Scheme (surveying and installation) is through Mark Group and the operation of Heatseekers (see below) is by the Energy Saving Partnership, both of whom are working under contract to E.ON.
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How long will the Scheme run?
The Scheme will run until June 2012 which is the end of the period covered by the existing CERT regulations.
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Why is the Council introducing the Scheme?
Our Eco Island vision requires dramatic action to reduce the energy demands of the Island's housing stock, which is the most significant component of the Island's carbon footprint. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, improved home insulation can also reduce fuel bills for householders, reduce damp and condensation and provide a healthier environment for occupants.
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How many jobs are being created?
Mark Group is establishing a permanent contractor base on the Island and will employ 22 local people in administrative, installation and technical surveying services.
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Who is the Scheme aimed at?
The Scheme will be available to private households (owner-occupied and privately rented) only, since improvements to the thermal efficiency of social housing are being carried out by Housing Associations under the Decent Homes Standard. The Scheme is therefore applicable to 90% of the Island's housing stock.
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What does it cost?
The Scheme will offer free loft and cavity wall insulation to all private households in receipt of benefits or with a householder aged over 70.
All other householders can benefit from subsidised rates of £99 for cavity wall insulation and £99 for loft insulation. Additional charges may apply where, for example, scaffolding is needed for cavity wall insulation or a loft hatch fitted to enable loft insulation.
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How will standards be maintained?
The contract with E.ON will ensure that work is carried out to a high standard, that all contractors on the Scheme are CRB checked, that high levels of customer care are maintained and monitored through customer feedback forms and technical monitoring and that health and safety regulations are met at all times. A 25 year CIGA guarantee is provided for the cavity wall insulation. The contractor will also ensure that data protection legislation is adhered to at all times.
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What about No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZs)?
Extra care will be taken with the operation of HeatSeekers in NCCZs. A presentation will be made to all Town & Parish Councils which operate NCCZs before the vehicle starts operation and, with the assistance of Town & Parish Councils, residents will be informed about the scheme. Whilst NCCZs have been established to protect 'vulnerable' residents, these are often the people that can benefit most from home insulation.