Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Accepted
Reform Energy Performance Certificate metric, focusing on emissions and energy costs for recommendations.
Recommendation
This report highlights the high and stagnating levels of energy poverty in the UK and the current disincentive that Energy Performance Certificates have on low carbon heating options due to price concerns. We therefore recommend that the Government reforms the Energy Performance Certificate metric with a renewed focus on both emissions and energy costs. This should be used to recommend home improvements to households who should then be signposted to independent advice following an assessment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64) 61 Decarbonising home heating
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to reform EPC metrics and is already engaged in this process, with proposals for updated metrics that will reflect a building’s energy performance, emissions, and cost. Changes are expected to be introduced in 2026 as part of the Home Energy Model.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government is reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to better align them with our key policy objectives, including achieving Clean Power by 2030 and accelerating progress towards Net Zero. The consultation on EPC Reform, developed jointly by Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, outlined proposed reforms that will support the effective delivery of the Warm Homes Plan, aiming to reduce household bills and tackle fuel poverty. The consultation set out proposals for updated EPC metrics to more fully reflect a building’s energy performance and show clear information on emissions and cost. The Government expects that changes to the EPC metrics will be introduced in 2026 and new and amended metrics will be introduced for domestic buildings under the Home Energy Model (HEM). The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government are currently analysing responses to the consultation and will publish the Government Response in due course.