Membership benefits at a glance

RECC Membership benefits

Please click here to download a PDF showing all RECC Member Benefits and Affinity Arrangements.

Consumer confidence

The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) helps consumers to have the confidence to choose a reliable company to deal with when considering the purchase of small scale renewables. Membership of the Code shows that a company is committed to complying with the Code’s high standards of consumer protection. All RECC Members are listed in the RECC Member Directory and encouraged to display the RECC logo.

Consumer leaflets

RECC has produced a leaflet which Code members can give to consumers called ‘Thinking of generating heat or power in your own home?’ The leaflet summarises the contents of the Consumer Code and outlines the high standards members are expected to adhere to. Members can request hard copies of the leaflet or can access it online as a pdf. It is also available in high resolution format suitable for professional printing in the Members’ Area of the website.

Access to QANW Deposit and Workmanship Warranty Insurance

When contracting with domestic customers Members must protect any funds paid in advance. They must also protect their workmanship warranty. RECC has negotiated a favourable rate with insurance provider QANW that only RECC members can access. Alternatively Members are free to make their own equivalent insurance arrangements. You can find further information here.

Regular policy updates

RECC issues a quarterly newsletter to keep members up-to-date with developments with the Code and the small scale renewables sector more generally. In addition RECC updates the news section of the website with information about changes to relevant government policy, regulation and legislation.

CTSI member directory

RECC is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s (CTSI) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS). Members of CTSI-approved Codes are listed on a CCAS directory accessible through the websites of the following consumer-facing organisations; CTSICitizens Advice and Referenceline. RECC Members are shown under a distinct RECC and CTSI banner. If you would prefer not to be listed on this directory you can opt out by emailing membership@recc.org.uk

Model documents

To assist Members RECC has prepared a range of model documents including proposals, estimates and quotations for each different technology, contract terms, installer warranty and cancellation forms (for companies who do and do not sell in the home). MS Word versions of these documents are available through the Members’ Area of the website.

Guidance

To further assist Members RECC has developed user-friendly guidance on relevant consumer legislation (such as the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulations 2015 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015). A sample Audit Questionnaire, to help guide you through a RECC audit, is also available in the Members’ Area of the website.

Consumer protection training

To assist Members and their staff RECC has put together a substantial online training resource. This explains with plenty of real-life examples how to comply with the Code and the consumer protection legislation in force. It covers all areas of business, from advertising and marketing through to sales, pre-contractual information, contract terms, guarantees and warranties. The online resource is available in the Members’ Area of the website.

Webinar Training

Our current webinar training series is well underway and we have received great feedback from Members. Topics have centred on the customer journey from marketing and sales, performance estimates, fair and unfair contract terms through to after sales care. Other sessions have focussed around new legislation which has directly impacted members (such as the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015). Recorded versions are available in the Members’ Area of the website.

Specialised Dispute Resolution

RECC provides a mediation service to help Members resolve disputes with consumers. Once a dispute is registered it will be allocated to a dispute resolution officer who will seek to broker an agreement between both parties. If they are unable to do so, the dispute can be referred to the adjudication service.

TrustMark registration

RECC is a TrustMark scheme operator. For a small fee, you have the opportunity to become TrustMark registered through RECC and be listed on TrustMark’s Find Your Local Tradesmen website. Full details are available here.

IET Code of Practice

Discounted purchase prices for the IET’s Battery Storage and Solar PV Codes of Practice.

For more information on RECC and its member's benefits download our member's leaflet here.

REA Membership

If you would also be interested in joining the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), our scheme sponsors, we have negotiated a special rate for  Renewable Energy Consumer Code members with fewer than seven employees and an annual turnover of less than £500k. As part of your REA membership you will receive a weekly newsletter outlining all the latest renewable energy policy and commercial developments, reduced rate entry to a wide range training events and the chance to add your voice to the renewable energy policy-making process.  The REA is also a member of Construction Products Association (CPA). The CPA represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. Membership brings considerable benefits, which costs non-REA member companies £1,625, but as an REA member you’ll get these for free!

For more details please go to: www.r-e-a.net/membership