Loading page
Worried about an energy grant letter or cold call? Learn how to identify genuine schemes and avoid common scams.
Check Your EligibilityECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a genuine UK government-mandated programme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in eligible homes. Measures include insulation, heating upgrades, ventilation, and in some cases renewable technology.
The scheme targets low-income and vulnerable households, typically those receiving qualifying benefits or identified via local authority flexible eligibility (LA Flex). Properties rated EPC D, E, F or G are usually prioritised.
Yes. ECO4 is a real programme backed by the UK government and regulated by Ofgem. Thousands of homes have received genuine support through the scheme since it launched.
However, the popularity of ECO4 has attracted scammers who use the scheme name to mislead homeowners. Some offer "free" installations with hidden costs, perform substandard work, or collect personal data for fraudulent purposes. Knowing how to tell the difference is essential.
Unsolicited cold calls claiming you are "pre-approved"
Legitimate schemes do not cold call to tell you that you have been approved. Eligibility requires a proper assessment.
Letters demanding urgent action or threatening loss of entitlement
Scam letters create false urgency. Genuine ECO4 funding does not expire based on responding to a single letter.
Requests for upfront payment or bank details
ECO4-funded measures should not require upfront payment from qualifying households. Never share bank details with unsolicited callers.
Door-to-door salespeople pressuring immediate sign-up
Reputable installers give you time to consider, provide written quotes, and never pressure same-day decisions.
Companies with no TrustMark registration
All ECO4 installers must be TrustMark registered. If a company cannot provide their registration number, walk away.
Promises of guaranteed funding without assessing your home
No one can guarantee funding without confirming your eligibility, EPC rating, and property suitability through proper assessment.
A legitimate ECO4 installer will:
Some homeowners have reported receiving letters from companies calling themselves “energy funding services” or similar names, offering free insulation or boiler replacements. While some of these may be genuine intermediaries working with approved installers, others are not.
Use our free checker to see if you may qualify for genuine energy-saving schemes. The checker asks a few questions about your home, EPC rating, and circumstances, then shows which schemes may be worth exploring further.
Check Your EligibilityResults are for guidance only. Final eligibility is confirmed by the scheme provider, your local authority, and a certified installer.
Heat pump grants UK
Check heat pump funding options
Solar panel grants UK
Check solar PV funding options
ECO4 eligibility checker
See if you may qualify for ECO4
Energy Checker home
All tools and grant guides
This page provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Eligibility for government-backed schemes is subject to current programme rules and verification by approved installers. Energy Checker is an independent guidance website. We are not a government body and do not approve grant applications.
No. ECO4 is a genuine, government-backed scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible households. However, some unscrupulous companies use the ECO4 name to mislead homeowners with fake offers, pressure tactics, or poor-quality installations.
Some are, some are not. Genuine schemes do sometimes contact eligible households by post. However, scammers also send letters designed to look official. A legitimate letter will never demand immediate payment, threaten loss of entitlement, or ask for bank details upfront.
Approved ECO4 installers must be TrustMark registered and hold appropriate PAS certifications. You can verify an installer on the TrustMark website. MCS certification is also required for heat pump and solar installations under funded schemes.
Yes. You can use a free eligibility checker to get an initial indication of whether you may qualify for ECO4 or similar schemes based on your property, EPC rating, and household circumstances. Final eligibility is confirmed by an approved installer and your energy supplier.
Do not share personal or financial information. Report the approach to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and your local Trading Standards office. If work has already been carried out, contact Citizens Advice for support on next steps.
Check your eligibility through our free, independent tool and see which schemes may genuinely apply to your home.
Check Your Eligibility