Complaints
Complaints about our work
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction by our customers where they want us to do something about it. Where a customer has a complaint, we will consider it and try to find an agreed course of action to resolve the complaint speedily and effectively to the customer’s satisfaction.
1. The customer can contact us initially by phone, email or post. They should do so as soon as possible after first noticing the problem.
2. We will take the details of the complaint, make a formal record of our receipt of the complaint and make a thorough note of the issue(s) raised.
3. Within 2 working days we will acknowledge the complaint and inform the customer that we will do our best to resolve the complaint in a timely manner but that they have a right to refer the complaint to the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) if we cannot reach a satisfactory resolution (see point 9).
4. For complaints received by phone, if we can’t resolve the customer's issue(s) immediately, we will ask the customer to put the complaint in writing so that there is a clear record for everybody. We will offer help with this if the customer wants it.
5. If necessary, we may have to ask the customer to provide us with copies of paperwork or other material to support their complaint. We will make a note of anything received from the customer in the complaints record.
6. If we need to inspect the system or visit the customer to investigate the complaint, we will do so within 7 days of receiving the complaint. If the customer is without heating or hot water because of the situation that led to the complaint, we will get out to them within 24 hours. If a visit is necessary, we will let the customer know the outcome as soon as possible after the visit. We will also record this in the complaints record.
7. We will keep a note of all contacts (or attempted contacts) with or from the customer while we are trying to resolve the complaint, including telephone conversations.
8. We will respond to the customer with our findings and a summary of actions/communications within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. Whenever we can, we will aim to sort the complaint out more quickly than this and informally, for example with a phone call to give advice that solves the problem. We will make a clear record of any complaints resolved in this way.
9. If we cannot resolve a complaint and/ or the customer is not satisfied with the resolution offered, we will advise where they can pursue their complaint.
● If the complaint is (partly or wholly) about technical aspects of the installation of an energy generator, we will direct them to our MCS installer certification body.
● If the complaint is about matters within the remit of the RECC, we will direct the customer to RECC. The RECC dispute resolution process is set out in the ‘How to Complain’ section of the RECC website.
● In all cases where the customer remains unhappy with the outcome of the complaint, they must be directed to the MCS complaints Process
10. We will cooperate fully with our MCS certification body and/ or RECC complaint-handlers to assist them to resolve the complaint.
11. We will not take, or threaten to take, action against a customer through the courts without first trying to solve the problem as set out here and in RECC’s dispute resolution process.
12. We will regularly review our complaints records to identify any actions we may need to take to prevent complaints recurring.
Complaints relating to finance
If your complaint relates to the finance agreement itself, including its terms, payments, or how the finance was explained or arranged, please contact the lender named on your finance agreement rather than us.
We introduce customers to more than one finance provider:
• If your agreement is with Hometree Finance (a trading name of HTG Finance Limited), please contact them at hello@hometreefinance.co.uk.
• If your finance was arranged through Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited, please use their complaints route at https://www.phoenix-fc.co.uk/finance_faq.
If you are unsure which lender your agreement is with, please contact us and we will confirm the relevant lender and provide you with their complaints contact details. If appropriate, we can also forward your complaint to the relevant lender and let you know that we have done so.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your finance complaint, or you have not received a final response within eight weeks, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The service is free and independent.