About Renewable Energy Consumer Code
The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) aims to ensure that consumers who wish to install a small-scale heat or power generation unit for their homes know about the service standards they should expect so they can make a confident an informed choice.RECC’s members are firms selling or leasing small-scale renewable or low carbon heat or power generation unit who have agreed to adhere to the Code. The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) backs the scheme as part of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, a self-regulation initiative. TSI has devised core criteria for consumer codes in its Core Criteria and Guidance page on the RECC website.
Linked with the Consumer Code is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which is an installer and product certification scheme. Gemserv runs both schemes on behalf of the government. RECC expects every member to comply with these schemes. The Renewable Energy Association (REA) developed the Code with its subsidiary, Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL). This was to help members reach high standards and help consumers make an informed choice when buying renewable energy generating systems.
REA and REAL recommend that customers do a lot of research before deciding which energy generating system to buy and who to ask to install it for them. They offer comprehensive guidance for consumers on the RECC website. Information about how to choose which system to buy and how to understand current energy usage should help a consumer to decide which system is best for their household. RECC advises that a customer uses one of their members because they will follow strict guidelines. They will also never ask for more than 25% of the final contract price as a deposit.
