Call for national action to protect Scots in green heating rollout

Urgent and co-ordinated national action is needed to protect consumers in Scotland as the country moves towards greener home heating, according to a new report.

Consumer Scotland said on Tuesday that more needs to be done by governments, regulators, and industry to safeguard people from scams and unfair practices as millions of homes face major changes in how they are heated.

The watchdog’s latest investigation highlights a range of concerns in the low-carbon heating and insulation sector – including misleading marketing, rogue traders and high upfront costs.

To meet legally binding climate targets, more than two million homes across Scotland will need to switch to low or zero-emissions heating by 2045. That includes technology such as heat pumps, electric heating systems, heat networks and upgraded insulation.

But the report found current levels of consumer awareness and uptake are lagging behind.

Key recommendations include:

Stronger regulation and better-resourced enforcement to clamp down on rogue traders.
Mandatory accreditation for all installers and traders in the sector.
A simplified complaints and redress system for consumers.
A review of financial support to help with upfront installation costs.
Public awareness campaigns to improve understanding of green home heating.
Improved information-sharing between industry bodies and regulators.

Consumer Scotland chief executive Sam Ghibaldan said: “The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of our time – and heating our homes differently is at the heart of it.

“We’ve seen some households have positive experiences, but too many are put off by confusing systems, high costs and concerns about scams or poor service.

“Our recommendations aim to make the journey simpler, safer and fairer for everyone.”

Trading Standards Scotland welcomed the report, saying it highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards.

Chief officer Fiona Richardson said: “Scams and rogue traders are undermining trust in the sector. If people are to engage fully with this transition, they need confidence and protection.

“We’re committed to working with our partners to make that happen.”

Consumer Scotland is urging both the Scottish and UK governments to act swiftly to improve regulation, simplify the consumer journey, and ensure enforcement bodies are equipped to respond.

The watchdog says success will depend on joint efforts, adding that the rewards include lower emissions, warmer homes, and reduced fuel poverty across Scotland.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome this report from Consumer Scotland which highlights the need for a change to clean heating as part of Scotland’s commitment to achieving net zero.

“It is vital people feel assured that any work carried out to decarbonise their heating is done to a high standard and represents good value for money. That’s why we have been working with the UK Government and Ofgem on the introduction of new consumer standards for heat network consumers – such as fair pricing and reliable supply – which will be introduced in January 2026.

“This work builds on changes introduced earlier this year which enable heat network customers to approach advice services and the Energy Ombudsman when they are facing issues, reforms to improve the information on Energy Performance Certificates to make them more relevant to consumers, and proposals to improve the minimum energy efficiency standard in privately rented properties – which are currently out for consultation.”