The Renewable Energy Installation Guarantee Agency (REIGA) has confirmed that it will start returning funds owed to installers in February.

In a press release sent to Solar Power Portal, REIGA reiterated its promise that no customer or installer will be left out of pocket after it ceased trading on 1 January 2014. REIGA has committed to return all funds owed to installers “by the end of February”.

In addition, the company has moved to reassure installers that, although it will not issue new guarantees, REIGA will continue to administer claims received up to 31 December 2013.

REIGA states: “The decision [to cease trading] has not been taken lightly, however, the board of directors wanted to ensure that there were no creditors out of pocket and that no home owner will be in a position where a legitimate claim would not be backed up by insurance.”

REIGA added that it regretfully reached the decision after its membership had fallen by more than 50%, with the majority of installers on their books ceasing trading following the boom period of late 2011 and early 2012.

The REIGA group will continue to offer guarantees, monitoring and work in the energy conservation field through its REIGA monitoring, REIGA EC, REIGA (guarantees) and REIGA resolution activities.