The hot topic this month is the new operator for the RGII and Safe Electric schemes. Since the turn of the year, the scheme is being operated by Safe Energy Ireland, an SGS group company. SGS is a major, multinational company employing over 96,000 people worldwide, with over 300 in Ireland. They won the contract following a tender process conducted by the Commissioner for the Regulation of Utilities who has overall responsibility for the RGII scheme.
To say that the scheme got off to a shaky start is putting it mildly, with a huge sense of unease and foreboding among contractors. Many are reporting huge difficulties in obtaining certificates, getting through by phone or even finding out who they can turn to for advice. With the new regime there has also been a huge uplift in fees which, coupled with the previous increase, means a near doubling of charges in less than three years. The imposition of VAT on all invoices for the first time this year as well as the change of the operating basis of the scheme from a not-for-profit to profit model are other issues that are sitting very badly with most contractors. Hopefully, Safe Energy Ireland will react and rectify things quickly which will in turn stave off a rebellion by the long- suffering RGIs.
Funding pipeline running out of gas
On a separate, but related note, is it time to consider an alternative funding model for the RGII scheme? As things now stand, this scheme is responsible for domestic (and very soon non-domestic) gas safety, with the entire cost falling on the shoulders of the RGIs. This is no longer tenable, and will become less so in the future with the inevitable reduction in the number of gas installers due to the increasing prevalence of green energy.
Want to tweak the Standard?
If you are an RGI you may be interested to know that your ‘Bible’ – the standard IS813 – is undergoing a review at the moment. If there is something that you feel needs tweaking, now is your chance. The draft revised standard is available on the NSAI website (www.nsai.ie), along with an opportunity to comment. Please take the opportunity to read through it and submit suggestions. All comments are welcome and are considered.
Zoom time
January saw the trialling of open Zoom meetings for APHCI members, with four successful events taking place. Meetings were initially limited to 100 members to ensure that all attendees were given the opportunity of contributing if they wished to do so. All meetings were described as “lively” events and bode well for the future. APHCI hopes to host regular sessions on the many and varied topics concerning our industry that will become must-attend events in their members’ diaries.
The APHCI team.
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Join the APHCI
If you are either a sole trader or a larger contractor in the plumbing, heating, ventilation, or allied trades, don’t forget to take a few minutes to join the APHCI. Standards, laws, and regulations in the sector are changing fast and the industry needs a strong voice, backed by a strong membership.
For further information, contact Richie Burke at:
M: +353 (0)86 327 9112
www.aphci.ie
Watch out on Facebook and on the app for forthcoming online APHCI events on various topics.
