We are Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) and we install insulation systems, heating systems and renewables into homes throughout the UK. We specialise in using government backed grants to get your home transformed into a more energy efficient household with no cost to yourself. This reduces both your energy bills and your carbon emissions.
I applied for the ECO4 Flex grant due to my MS, which makes me especially vulnerable to cold. I work full time and manage well with a hybrid work setup (at home and in the office). Friends who had gone through similar schemes with other companies warned me the process could be stressful, but ultimately worth it. Sadly, my experience with CES has been a complete nightmare. I was told the application process would take six weeks — it ended up taking six months. I even cancelled Christmas plans with family based on their assurance that work would start before the holidays. It didn’t begin until January. They told me I wouldn’t need to move out because they’d complete the work room by room. In reality, they removed all the radiators and cut multiple 8-inch holes in the walls during the first week, which caused the temperature inside to drop to 7°C. The house was freezing, and both of my children became ill due to the cold. We eventually had no choice but to move out — family had to take us in because the living conditions were simply not safe or manageable. They originally said the work would take 20 days. It’s now mid-April, and it’s still not finished. Communication has been appalling. I’ve repeatedly asked to see plans and inspection reports — none of those requests have been honoured. They rarely answer calls, they don’t show up when they say they will, and I’ve lost workdays, cancelled holidays, and rearranged personal plans because of their disorganisation. There have also been serious issues with the quality of work. They hit a pipe and couldn’t stop the resulting flood. The plumber they sent was three hours away and took that long to arrive. They did a basic mop-up but offered no dehumidifiers. Now, water has tracked into three rooms, and a floor specialist says the flooring will need to be lifted. CES is now disputing the cost of fixing the damage they caused. They’ve also covered up window sills but haven’t replaced them, and the finish on my walls is dreadful — they’re no longer flat or straight. To top it all off, the heat pump wasn’t even installed correctly. The thermostat wasn’t fitted properly and as a result, our energy bills skyrocketed. Despite already having a solar and battery system that previously kept our monthly bills around £70, we paid almost £400 the month after installation. Despite reporting the concern, they could not come visit to rectify the issue for another 2 weeks. This entire process has been incredibly stressful and disruptive for me and my family. Based on my experience, I would strongly advise others to avoid using CES for this grant scheme.
On the face of things, CES staff are professional and supportive in helping to progress ECO4 grants and the associated work. But behind the professionalism sits a company that appears to have obvious communication issues and worrying inconsistencies. We never actually progressed with any work, as CES stopped responding to communications. Three separate company representatives visited my house and assured us that it wouldn't be necessary to plasterboard over a stone feature wall in our 150 year old house. But when it came to agreeing the installation of a heat pump, solar and insulation, the message suddenly changed and the stone wall would have to go. We were clear from day 1 that this was not an option, so I have no idea if the company staff we encountered were completely unaware of what is required under the ECO4 grant scheme, or if they deliberately misled us to try and get the work started. Either is worrying. When we tried to get final clarification the emails and phone calls stopped, and that was that. I'm sure that others will have a better experience, but we lost confidence and decided to look elsewhere.
Good workers , very happy with the install everything has been explained very well thanks you Sam Wilson and Johnny Davies. Let's make the most of the sunshine 🌞
One of your vans was driven recklessly. Speeding and aggressively. I always find this a very good indicator of the service you would receive. Avoid.
