A STATE body has been challenged to state “clearly and immediately” important information needed by defective block homeowners.
The call has come from confusion about SEAI home energy grants – with defective concrete block (DCB) homeowners warned not to demolish their homes.
The financial supports are from semi-State body Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to help homeowners improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and shrink their heating and electricity bills.
New information has emerged for homes affected by defective concrete blocks.
Inishowen Cllr Joy Beard revealed she has sought “urgent clarification from the SEAI over conflicting pre-works BER advice for DCB homeowners”.
A Building Energy Rating (BER) is a home’s energy efficiency on a scale from A0 (most efficient, fossil-fuel-free) to G (least efficient) and is assessed by an SEAI-registered assessor, who inspects aspects like insulation for between €150 and €300.
A valid (BER) cert has been a legal requirement since January 2007 for new buildings and January 2009 for all existing homes and buildings offered for sale or rent.
The certificate is valid for 10 years, unless structural changes are made – and that is what Cllr Beard has explained in clarification talks with the SEAI.
She said: “SEAI advice regarding pre-works BERs appears to conflict with the guidance currently published on the SEAI website for defective concrete block homeowners.
“The SEAI guidance is states ‘pre-works BERs are not required for SEAI grants for DCB affected homes’.
“The website also states that a ‘post-works BER is required before SEAI can review an application for grant payment’.”
Cllr Joy Beard sought urgent clarification from the SEAI over conflicting pre-works BER advice for DCB homeowners.
Cllr Beard of the 100% Redress Party added: “However, after speaking directly with SEAI, they advised that the practical position is more complicated.
“For homeowners whose homes have already been demolished, I was clearly advised that they do not need to worry about obtaining a pre-works BER.
“However, for homeowners whose houses are still standing or whose works are ongoing, I was told that a pre-works BER may not technically be required.
“But not having one can cause issues within the SEAI system and, importantly, a One Stop Shop may require one in order to progress an application. That is where the problem arises.”
CONFUSION EXPLAINED
She explained: “The written guidance currently says very plainly that pre-works BERs are not required for DCB affected homes.
“Homeowners are therefore entitled to rely on that information. If the practical operation of the scheme means that a homeowner could encounter difficulties, or a One Stop Shop could refuse to progress an application without a pre-works BER, then that needs to be stated clearly and immediately.”
Cllr Beard is now advising homeowners – whose homes are still standing – to contact their One Stop Shop, BER assessor, or whoever is managing their SEAI application before demolition.
She has challenged the SEAI to “clearly and immediately” clarify any confusion and ensure discrepancies are resolved in writing.
She said: “This is already a complicated enough process for DCB homeowners.
“They should not be receiving one message in official published guidance and a different or more qualified explanation when they contact SEAI directly.
“I have raised this with SEAI and I expect the guidance to be clarified so that homeowners, One Stop Shops and BER assessors are all working from exactly the same rules.
“Until that happens, my advice is simple: if your home is still standing, check before you proceed.”