Telford residents urged to be on their guard against cold callers offering energy grants

The callers say they are offering grants under the Green Home Grant Scheme and Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

These schemes are real and do offer help to residents, but some unscrupulous companies who are not registered with the scheme, may try to take advantage.

The Green Home Grant scheme, launched by the Government in September 2020, has been designed to offer homeowners and tenants incentives to increase the energy efficiency of their properties.

Contractors must be approved and registered by the Simple Energy Advice Service.

The ECO is a Government efficiency scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty.

Suppliers must promote measures which improve the ability of low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes, including replacing or upgrading heating systems.

Advice

Councillor David Wright, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are hearing reports of cold callers approaching residents on the doorstep and on the phone offering these services, some of which include ‘one time only special officers’ or ‘today-only discount’ to try to get people to sign up straight away.

“Telford & Wrekin Council has not authorised door knocking on its behalf nor does it work in partnership with or promote contractors, or check the quality of work completed.

“Our advice is not to sign up to anything and not to give out any personal details to cold callers.

“Our partners provide a free phone line called Telford Energy Advice which can give free and impartial information on grants including Green Home Grants and ECO, as well as advice on energy bills and keeping warm at home. You can contact them on 0800 677 1952 or email advice@mea.org.uk

“If you are concerned by an approach about energy grants from a cold caller, please report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, freephone 0808 223 1133.”

Telford Energy Advice is a project of local charity Marches Energy Agency.