IM 009 approved as a substantial innovation measure

The standard uplift innovation measure IM 009 was approved as a substantial innovation measure on 16 December 2022, according to Ofgem's published list of approved innovation measures¹. The approval followed an application made under the technical approval process, referred to in the documents as TAP1¹.

Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), Ofgem is required to publish a description of each approved innovation measure, the date it was approved, and whether it carries a standard or substantial uplift¹. The published list covers measures approved under both ECO3 and ECO4¹. Where a product already deliverable as a standard innovation measure is approved for substantial status, Ofgem creates a new innovation measure number and description for that product¹.

"On 16/12/2022 the standard uplift innovation measure IM 009 was approved as a substantial innovation measure."

The published documents set out the conditions that apply to all innovation measures, including those approved under IM 009. Installation must follow PAS 2030:2019 or MCS standards and PAS 2035:2019, and measures must be lodged with TrustMark or an equivalent body and delivered by TrustMark-registered or equivalent businesses¹. Measures must also be installed in accordance with Building Regulations and any relevant Agrément certificate listed against the product¹.

Ofgem states that approval of an innovation measure does not confirm that installation methods and designs are fully compliant with the latest requirements defined in the relevant PAS and related guidance¹. The Retrofit Coordinator and installers delivering a measure are responsible for satisfying themselves that it is suitable for a given property before installation¹.

The documents list other approved innovation measures alongside IM 009, including external wall insulation, under floor insulation, smart thermostats, internal wall insulation and party cavity wall insulation, with approval dates running from 20/02/2019 onwards¹. The published versions of the list carry different version numbers and dates, from Version 1.1 in April 2023 to Version 1.10 in July 2024¹.

Why it matters for households

ECO4 is the obligation under which energy suppliers fund efficiency and heating measures in homes, and the innovation measure route allows products that are not yet covered by standard assessment methods to be delivered under the scheme¹. A substantial uplift means a supplier can count more toward its obligation for that measure than it would for a standard innovation measure, which affects how the scheme's funding is directed¹.

For a household, the practical effect is that a measure delivered under IM 009 must meet the installation, lodgement and warranty requirements set out in the published list, and the paperwork trail is part of what makes the measure eligible¹. The documents do not state which properties IM 009 applies to, what the measure involves, or which products fall under it, and this has not been reported in the material published by Ofgem¹. Ofgem also states that it cannot guarantee any claims made in respect of the innovation measures listed¹.

What happens next

The published list is updated as further applications are approved. Later versions record additional approval dates, including 11/05/2023, 25/05/2023, 26/09/2023, 28/09/2023 and 30/11/2023², and Version 1.10 records dates of 10/02/2024, 01/03/2024, 14/05/2024 and 12/07/2024⁴. No further steps specific to IM 009 are set out in the documents¹.

Sources5 cited

1. ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk
2. ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk
3. ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk
4. ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk
5. ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk