The Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA) has stated it is very disappointed following the announcement on the status of the pilot deep retrofit program run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It said: “It is clear that only a very small percentage of demand in 2019 is now going to be completed. The industry has been trying to get information on the status of applications for many months and the poor communication has resulted in a hugely stressful situation for a large number of householders. The announcement that there is unlikely to be no new retrofit program until 2021 leaves homeowners and the industry in limbo.”

The Agency added: “While acknowledging the initial slow take up after the programme delivered significantly positive outcomes for householders the demand ramped up in 2019. We are now faced with the fact that only a very small portion of this 2019 demand was fulfilled, leading to disappointed homeowners, contractors and service providers. Just when a retrofit market had developed capacity, skills and markets there is now another period of waiting.

“Notwithstanding that the programme was established as a pilot, and the associated terms and conditions, we are particularly disappointed that the lack of available funds was not signalled to the market earlier. It would appear from statements issued in the past two days that it was clear the funds would be exhausted in March or early April. This was not communicated to homeowners, contractors or anyone involved leaving people to continue to develop projects in good faith. This lack of communication, coupled with the 3-6 month timeframe of a deep retrofit left many homeowners faced with the dilemma of either planning a deep retrofit or not. Contracts for construction work need to be signed clearly with all works included and this would be required for most homes in May/June at the latest for October finishing. We regret that homeowners were put in this position and are working with them to attempt to figure out a potential solution on an individual basis.”