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Press Release

Age UK response to DECC announcement that incentives for buying renewable energy schemes will fall

31 October 2011

Response to the DECC announcement that incentives for buying renewable energy microgeneration schemes will fall for installations after 8/12/11.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, says:

“We are very worried that this announcement could lead to more high pressure selling of renewable energy products such as solar panels as installers race to beat the deadline. At Age UK we have already seen examples of how some of these companies target vulnerable older people with a mix of high pressure and misleading sales often on the doorstep.

“We would advise anyone approached to buy renewable energy schemes to check that the installer is a member of the industry's REAL Assurance scheme and follow their top tips (see Notes). It's important to remember that a reputable company will never pressure a customer into making an instant decision. Anyone who feels that they need more time to come to a decision can ask the caller to come back at another time when someone else will be with them.

“Age UK has produced two free information guides 'Avoiding Scams' and 'Staying Safe' which inform people of the most common scams and provide practical steps to ensure older people are able to protect themselves against high pressure selling in the home and on the doorstep. The guides are available free of charge from Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65 or by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/scams-advice



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Age UK

Age UK

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