Energy Bills Help

PROTECT yourself from energy support scheme scammers by accessing genuine schemes.
Rochford residents are being reminded, by Rochford council, that government-backed energy efficiency grants are available to help eligible households reduce their energy bills, improve the warmth of their homes and cut carbon emissions.
At the same time, residents are being urged to stay alert to scams, as criminals continue to target people seeking support with energy costs.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) provide fully funded improvements for qualifying households. ECO4 focuses on helping low-income and vulnerable residents.
Measures available through ECO4 may include cavity wall insulation, external or internal wall insulation, roof insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, electric storage heaters, double glazing and boiler upgrades.
GBIS offers free insulation measures to help reduce heat loss in homes and lower ongoing energy bills. Both schemes are funded through energy suppliers, and there is no cost to eligible residents.
A council statement said: “The Council is reminding residents to be especially careful, as scammers often pretend to represent government schemes, energy companies or local authorities.
“Whilst we are not aware of any residents being impacted by a scam, we have decided to take a precautionary measure of raising awareness, having heard about scams across the country.
“Fraudsters may use unexpected phone calls, emails or doorstep visits to pressure people into agreeing to assessments or installations. Genuine providers will never demand upfront payments, pressure you to sign up immediately or begin work without an arranged appointment.
“To stay safe, residents are advised to check the identity of anyone who contacts them, refuse to share bank details with unknown callers, avoid clicking on links in suspicious emails or messages, and use only verified application routes. If something feels suspicious, residents should stop the conversation. You can report energy scams to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”
Coun Roger Constable, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “We want households that are eligible for genuine energy grants to access them.
“ECO4 and GBIS are valuable programmes that can make a real difference to households struggling with high energy bills. However, we know that scammers often take advantage of these national schemes.
“We urge residents to stay alert, use trusted channels to apply and contact us if they are unsure about anyone claiming to be from the council and offering energy-related support.”
For more information on available energy efficiency grants or to check eligibility, visit: www.rochford.gov.uk/EnergyGrantsSchem
Picture: Councillor Roger Constable, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee
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