Poland's Clean Air program hit by fraud warnings and falling grant applications

The municipal office of Rozdrażew warned residents that individuals posing as advisors for the "Clean Air" (Czyste Powietrze) programme are not official staff and are attempting to secure contracts for heating‑system upgrades. The gmina stressed that consultations are only provided at the official municipal information point and urged citizens to verify any offers.

A nationwide survey of 1,469 Polish gminas revealed a sharp drop in interest in the programme: weekly applications fell from over 5,000 in 2024 to just 700‑800. More than 80 % of municipalities reported a regression in participation, citing delayed payments from regional environmental funds, mandatory comprehensive thermomodernisation, costly energy‑audit requirements and ownership‑duration rules as major barriers. Local officials are calling for reforms such as a free audit voucher and more flexible funding conditions to revive the scheme.