The most effective way to get ECO4 leads is to register with Ofgem-approved installers and list your property on the Great British Insulation Scheme, which generated over 300,000 installations in 2025 (DESNZ, 2026).
ECO4 leads are not sold directly to homeowners, the scheme works through obligated energy suppliers who contract approved installers to carry out free or subsidised upgrades. Your eligibility depends on your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and whether you receive qualifying benefits. If you do not claim benefits, you may still qualify under the LA Flex route, which local authorities can grant for low-income or vulnerable households.
Check your EPC and benefits status first
You must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G to qualify for ECO4 (GOV.UK, 2026). If your home is already rated C or above, you will not be eligible for ECO4. The scheme prioritises properties with the worst energy performance, those rated E, F, or G. If you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income Support, you likely meet the household eligibility criteria. For homes rated D, only specific measures such as first-time central heating or solid wall insulation may be funded.
Contact your energy supplier directly
Your current energy supplier is the first point of contact for ECO4 leads. Under the scheme, obligated suppliers must deliver energy-saving measures to eligible households (Ofgem, 2026). Call your supplier’s ECO team and ask for a free assessment. If your supplier does not offer ECO4, you can switch to a supplier that does, many major suppliers like British Gas, E.ON, and Octopus Energy run dedicated ECO programmes. You can also check the TrustMark database for approved installers who work with multiple suppliers.
Apply through local authority flex schemes
If you do not receive benefits, your local authority may still refer you for ECO4 funding through the LA Flex route (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Each council sets its own eligibility criteria, typically based on low income, fuel poverty, or vulnerability to cold. Contact your council’s energy team or visit their website to find the application form. Once approved, the council issues a declaration that allows an obligated supplier to install upgrades at no cost to you. This route is the most common way for homeowners without benefits to access ECO4.
A worked example
A typical 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester with an EPC rating of E could receive fully funded external wall insulation and a new gas boiler through ECO4, saving around £1,100 per year on heating bills. The homeowner, who receives Universal Credit, contacts their energy supplier EDF for a free assessment. An approved installer carries out a survey and installs 100mm of solid wall insulation and an A-rated boiler. The total cost to the homeowner is zero because ECO4 covers the full installation. According to the Energy Saving Trust, solid wall insulation alone can cut heat loss by up to 45%. The property’s EPC improves from E to C, increasing its market value by an estimated 5% to 10%. Glazing is standard-rated for VAT at 20%. The zero rate for energy-saving materials covers insulation, heat pumps and solar panels; HMRC names secondary and double glazing as excluded (VAT Notice 708/6). No grants like BUS apply here because the work is fully funded through ECO4.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £0 |
| Yearly savings | £1,100 |
| Payback period | Immediate |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £27,500 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming ECO4 leads are available for purchase or that you must find an installer yourself. The reality is that leads are generated through your energy supplier and eligibility checks. Here are three frequent errors homeowners make.
- Thinking you can apply directly Homeowners often contact installers before checking their EPC and benefits status. This wastes time and can lead to missed opportunities because the scheme only works through your energy supplier or a local authority’s LA Flex route.
- Ignoring the LA Flex route if not on benefits Many believe ECO4 is only for benefit claimants. But if your household income is below £31,000 or you live in a low-income area, your local council can grant LA Flex eligibility. Missing this could mean losing out on thousands of pounds in free upgrades.
- Believing any installer is approved Some homeowners hire unregistered tradespeople and then find the work voids their ECO4 eligibility. Only installers listed on the TrustMark or MCS databases are approved by Ofgem. Using an unapproved installer means you lose the grant and could face warranty issues.
Quick reference
- ECO4 leads are generated by your energy supplier, not bought or sold to homeowners directly.
- You need an EPC rating of D to G to qualify for ECO4, homes rated C or above are ineligible.
- If you do not receive qualifying benefits, apply for LA Flex through your local authority for low-income households.
- Approved installers must be registered with TrustMark or MCS to carry out ECO4-funded work.
- Glazing is standard-rated for VAT at 20%. The zero rate for energy-saving materials covers insulation, heat pumps and solar panels; HMRC names secondary and double glazing as excluded (VAT Notice 708/6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your energy supplier directly for a free ECO4 assessment. Your eligibility depends on your EPC rating and benefits status, as per Ofgem rules.
Yes, you may qualify under the LA Flex route if your local authority deems you low-income or vulnerable. Check with your council for eligibility criteria.
You need an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G to qualify for ECO4. Homes rated C or above are not eligible, according to GOV.UK.
