Are government ECO grants a scam?

Home upgrades can include:

• Loft insulation.
• Cavity or solid wall insulation.
• Central heating, solar panels and air source heat pumps.
• Heating controls.
• Renewable heating systems (in some cases).

The work is covered entirely by the ECO4 scheme and the service is only genuine if it’s from an approved, accredited installer following the official process.

ECO4 Eligibility depends on a few factors:

• Income: People on certain benefits or low-income households under £31,000 per year, often qualify.
• Property type: Older, less efficient homes are prioritised.
• Energy efficiency rating: Usually a low EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating.
• Tenure: Homeowners, private tenants, and some social housing tenants can all be eligible.

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. Genuine ECO installers must be registered. Search their name here: TrustMark Register.
• Never pay an “upfront assessment fee”.
  Official ECO grants don’t require you to pay anything to “secure your place.” If someone asks for a deposit or fee before work begins, that’s a red flag.
• Be cautious with cold calls and doorstep offers.
  While some legitimate companies use these methods, 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 confirm whether the scheme applies to you.

There are three main reasons people get suspicious:

1. The “too good to be true” factor — Free upgrades worth thousands naturally make people wary.
2. Rogue traders — Some companies misuse the ECO name to sell unrelated services.
3. Out-of-date information — The scheme has changed over the years (ECO1, ECO2, ECO3, now ECO4), so older advice can be misleading.

If you’re eligible and go through a trusted provider, here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial eligibility check: You can do this via our ECO4 eligibility checker.
2. Home survey: A qualified assessor inspects your property to see which upgrades will help most.
3. Grant approval: The installer confirms the funding and books the work.
4. Installation: Skilled tradespeople complete the improvements.
5. Aftercare and guarantee: Genuine schemes include warranties and compliance certificates.

• “We’re from the council”: ECO grants are not directly run by councils, though some councils partner with approved firms.
• 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.

Over the past two decades, the government-funded Eco Grant Schemes for Heating and Insulation has assisted low-income households in improving their energy efficiency.

Government ECO grants are absolutely real — and they’ve helped thousands of UK households lower bills and stay warmer. But you must go through the right channels to avoid losing money or getting poor-quality work.

Enjoy the benefits without falling for a scam.

Quick Safety Checklist:

• Check eligibility
• 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:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living Payment
• Fuel Vouchers