Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 2025

1. Introduction

The Fuel Effect (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Data Controller:
The Fuel Effect
Email: info@thefueleffect.co.uk
Phone: 01732 354205
Address: Suite 30, 2 Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UE

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

We collect personal data that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • Request a quote or survey for renewable energy installations
  • Contact us via phone, email, or contact forms
  • Sign up for newsletters or marketing communications
  • Enter into a contract with us for services
  • Provide feedback or testimonials

This information may include:

  • Name and title
  • Contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
  • Property details and address
  • Information about your energy needs and requirements
  • Payment and billing information
  • Communication preferences

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • Technical information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
  • Usage data (pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked)
  • Cookie data (see our Cookie Policy for more details)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Credit reference agencies (for commercial contracts)
  • Government scheme administrators (MCS, Boiler Upgrade Scheme)
  • Suppliers and subcontractors working on your installation
  • Public registers and directories

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

Contract Performance: To provide quotes, surveys, installations, and maintenance services you’ve requested.

Legitimate Interests: To:

  • Improve our services and customer experience
  • Maintain safety and security
  • Prevent fraud
  • Manage our business operations

Legal Obligation: To:

  • Comply with MCS accreditation requirements
  • Process government scheme applications (Boiler Upgrade Scheme, etc.)
  • Maintain statutory records
  • Comply with tax and accounting obligations

Consent: For marketing communications (where required) and non-essential cookies.

3.2 Purposes of Processing

We use your personal data to:

  • Provide quotes and conduct property surveys
  • Design and install renewable energy systems
  • Commission and maintain installations
  • Process payments and manage accounts
  • Register installations with relevant authorities
  • Submit applications for government schemes and incentives
  • Provide customer support and after-sales service
  • Send service-related communications
  • Send marketing communications (with your consent)
  • Improve our website and services
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Prevent fraud and ensure security

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal data with:

4.1 Service Providers and Partners

  • Installation subcontractors: To complete work on your property
  • Equipment suppliers: For warranty registration and technical support
  • Payment processors: To process transactions securely
  • IT service providers: For hosting, email, and technical support
  • Professional advisers: Accountants, solicitors, and insurers

4.2 Government and Regulatory Bodies

  • MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): For certification requirements
  • Government scheme administrators: For Boiler Upgrade Scheme, RHI applications
  • HMRC: For tax compliance
  • Local authorities: For building control and planning notifications
  • Ofgem: For feed-in tariff and renewable energy scheme administration

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights.

5. International Transfers

We do not routinely transfer personal data outside the UK. If we need to do so, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

  • Customer records: 7 years from completion of work (for legal and warranty purposes)
  • Financial records: 7 years (for tax and accounting requirements)
  • Marketing consents: Until you withdraw consent or 3 years of inactivity
  • CCTV footage: 30 days (if applicable)
  • Website analytics: 26 months

After these periods, we will securely delete or anonymize your data.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

7.1 Right of Access

Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

7.2 Right to Rectification

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

7.3 Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

7.4 Right to Restrict Processing

Request that we limit how we use your data.

7.5 Right to Data Portability

Request transfer of your data to another service provider.

7.6 Right to Object

Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.

7.7 Rights Related to Automated Decision Making

We do not use automated decision-making or profiling.

7.8 Right to Withdraw Consent

Withdraw consent at any time where we rely on consent to process your data.

To exercise your rights, contact us at: info@thefueleffect.co.uk

We will respond to requests within one month.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Secure encrypted communication protocols (SSL/TLS)
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Regular security assessments
  • Staff training on data protection
  • Secure storage and backup systems
  • Confidentiality agreements with staff and contractors

While we take reasonable steps to protect your data, no internet transmission is completely secure. You are responsible for keeping your passwords and login credentials confidential.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and user experience. For detailed information about the cookies we use and your choices, please see our separate Cookie Policy.

10. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you:

  • Information about our services and renewable energy technologies
  • Updates about government schemes and incentives
  • Special offers and promotions
  • Industry news and tips

You can opt out at any time by:

  • Clicking “unsubscribe” in any marketing email
  • Contacting us at info@thefueleffect.co.uk
  • Updating your preferences

We will not share your data with third parties for their marketing purposes.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

12. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Updating the “Last Updated” date
  • Sending email notifications for material changes (where appropriate)

Please review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your data.

14. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first. We will investigate and respond promptly.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

The Fuel Effect
Email: info@thefueleffect.co.uk
Phone: 01732 354205
Address: Suite 30, 2 Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UE

We will respond to all legitimate requests within one month. In complex cases, we may extend this by two further months and will explain the reason for any delay.

© 2025 The Fuel Effect. All rights reserved.