Energy insulation deadline sparks warning

Authorities are warning households to watch out

Households are being warned to watch out for a resurgence this major issue as two major Government-backed schemes approach key deadlines.

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is due to close on March 31, 2026, while the Energy Company Obligation programme known as ECO4 has just been extended until December 31, 2026. Experts say the combination of a looming deadline and an extension elsewhere has created the perfect conditions for fraudsters to target households with bogus offers of grants, free insulation or urgent energy upgrades.

Local authorities are already sounding the alarm. Rochford District Council has issued a warning urging residents to be cautious if they are contacted about energy grants, noting that scammers often exploit genuine Government initiatives to trick people into handing over personal details or cash.

The council said it had not yet received reports locally but was acting proactively after similar scams were reported elsewhere. It advised residents to access support schemes only through official channels. More information can be found here.

Tech expert Mark Baars, of Unit4, said the timing was no accident. He warned that fraudsters closely follow Government announcements and media coverage around energy schemes, using the confusion to create convincing scams.

“Whenever you have a scheme nearing its deadline and another being extended, you create urgency and confusion at the same time,” he said.

“That combination is incredibly attractive to fraudsters. People hear that GBIS is closing at the end of March and they panic. They hear ECO4 is continuing and they assume someone might contact them. Scammers thrive in that grey area.”

He added that publicity around insulation programmes – including scrutiny of retrofit schemes and discussions in Parliament – has pushed the issue into the spotlight.

“When schemes are discussed widely in the press, they become part of everyday conversation. Fraudsters monitor that media cycle and adapt their scripts to match whatever is trending,” Mr Baars said.

Under the schemes, energy suppliers fund insulation and efficiency improvements for qualifying homes in order to help cut energy bills and reduce emissions.

But criminals often impersonate legitimate installers or grant advisers. Mr Baars said one of the clearest warning signs is unsolicited contact, particularly unexpected calls, texts or doorstep visits claiming a household qualifies for a Government grant.

“If you receive a random call or text saying you qualify for a government-backed insulation grant, slow the conversation down immediately,” he said.

“Genuine providers do not pressure you to act on the spot.”

Fraudsters often manufacture urgency by claiming offers are about to expire or that there are only a few installation slots left in a particular postcode.

“That’s psychological pressure,” he said. “Real schemes have structured processes and eligibility checks. They don’t vanish in a single afternoon.”

Another major red flag is requests for payment.

“If anyone asks for an upfront fee for a survey, application or installation under ECO4 or GBIS, that is a serious warning sign,” Mr Baars warned.

“These programmes are designed to be fully funded for eligible households. Demanding money contradicts the core structure of the scheme.”

He also warned about fake websites and phishing messages designed to harvest personal information.

“Never click on a link in a text message claiming to be from a government energy grant,” he said.

“Fraudsters build very convincing websites that look official. Instead, type the GOV.UK address or your council website directly into your browser.”

Even if no payment is requested immediately, criminals may still be collecting data that can later be used for identity theft.

“Names, addresses, dates of birth and bank details are extremely valuable to fraudsters,” Mr Baars said. “Treat your personal data like cash.”

He said the safest way to access support was to start the process yourself rather than responding to unexpected offers.

“The safest route is to go directly to GOV.UK or your council website and check eligibility there. If you initiate contact, you remove much of the scammer’s leverage.”

Anyone who believes they may have shared sensitive information should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud. Despite the warnings, Mr Barrs stressed that the insulation schemes themselves remain genuine and valuable.

“ECO4 and GBIS are legitimate programmes funded through energy suppliers,” he said.

“They do help qualifying households reduce energy bills and improve insulation. But if someone approaches you unexpectedly about energy grants and asks you to hurry, pay or click, take a step back. Real support will still be there tomorrow. Scammers rely on speed. Your best protection is patience.”