If you’ve seen ads or leaflets promising free home upgrades through the “ECO scheme”, you might wonder whether it’s real or a scam. The short answer: the Energy Company Obligation is real, but that doesn’t mean every company using its name is trustworthy — and the scheme dates matter.
Here’s how ECO works, when the schemes end, and how to avoid the common traps.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) is a government scheme that requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-saving improvements in certain homes. The aim is to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills, especially for people on lower incomes or in hard-to-heat homes.
ECO4, the current phase, runs until 31 December 2026. The related Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026. Consumer Rights can no longer help with ECO4 applications.
Home upgrades under ECO4 can include:
- Loft insulation.
- Cavity or solid wall insulation.
- Central heating, solar panels and air source heat pumps.
- Heating controls.
Ofgem says ECO “is not a grant scheme”. Energy suppliers decide what they fund, a household may be asked to contribute, and being eligible doesn’t guarantee an installation. Anyone promising guaranteed free work should be treated with caution.
Who Is ECO4 Aimed At?
ECO4 is aimed at low-income and vulnerable households, mainly those receiving certain benefits. Through ECO4 Flex, councils can also refer some low-income or vulnerable households who aren’t on qualifying benefits. See ECO4 eligibility for more.
Scheme End Dates: A Useful Red Flag
- ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026. Anyone cold-calling about “free ECO4 grants” as that date approaches, or after it, is a red flag.
- The Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026. An offer of GBIS-funded insulation now is a red flag.
- No ECO5 has been announced. Be wary of anyone claiming to take “ECO5” applications.
How to Tell If an ECO Offer Is Genuine
Sadly, because there’s real money involved, scammers sometimes use “ECO4” as bait. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Check the installer is TrustMark-registered.
TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality scheme. ECO installers had to be registered. Search their name here: TrustMark Register. - Never pay an “upfront assessment fee”.
If someone asks for a deposit or fee to “secure your place”, that’s a red flag. - Be cautious with cold calls and doorstep offers.
Many scams start this way. Always check credentials before giving personal details. - Cross-check with your energy supplier.
Your current gas or electricity provider can tell you whether it is funding work in your area.
Why There’s So Much Confusion Around ECO
There are three main reasons people get suspicious:
- The “too good to be true” factor — Free upgrades worth thousands naturally make people wary.
- Rogue traders — Some companies misuse the ECO name to sell unrelated services.
- Out-of-date information — The scheme has changed over the years (ECO1, ECO2, ECO3, then ECO4), and end dates have moved, so older advice can be misleading.
How Genuine ECO Work Should Happen
With a genuine, TrustMark-registered installer, you can expect:
- Home survey: A qualified assessor inspects your property to see which upgrades will help most.
- Funding confirmed: The installer confirms the supplier funding, and any contribution you’d need to make, before booking the work.
- Installation: Skilled tradespeople complete the improvements.
- Aftercare and guarantee: Genuine work comes with warranties and compliance certificates.
If something has gone wrong with ECO4 or GBIS work you’ve already had done, see our guide to ECO4 complaints.
Common Scams to Watch For
- “We’re from the council”: ECO is funded by energy suppliers, not run directly by councils, though councils can refer households through ECO4 Flex.
- Pressure selling: Genuine providers won’t demand an instant decision.
- Unnecessary extras: Some scammers use “ECO” as a hook, then try to upsell unrelated products.
The Bottom Line on ECO
The Energy Company Obligation is real, and it has helped many UK households stay warmer. But scammers use its name, and the scheme dates are a useful check: ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026 and GBIS has already ended.
Quick Safety Checklist:
- Check the scheme dates
- Verify installers on TrustMark
- Never pay upfront fees
- Avoid handing over personal details to cold callers
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem – Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem – Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government – Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? – Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available: