Government Announces Major Reforms to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Posted on Friday, 23 January, 2026
The UK Government has confirmed long-awaited changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime as part of its broader new Warm Homes Plan aimed at improving energy efficiency, cutting household bills and tackling fuel poverty.
Under the announcement, EPCs are set to be reformed with a new approach to measuring energy performance, moving beyond the current single rating to a system based on multiple headline metrics. These will include fabric performance, the heating system, smart readiness and energy cost, providing a more comprehensive view of how homes perform in terms of efficiency and running costs.
The government says the new format will give homeowners, buyers, renters and landlords clearer and more useful information about a property’s energy performance and where improvements are most needed. Old certificates will remain valid until they expire under the current 10-year rule.
In a complementary move, the government also confirmed new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector in England and Wales. From 1 October 2030, most rental properties must achieve at least an equivalent of EPC band C to remain legally let unless an exemption applies, with transitional arrangements and cost caps outlined in accompanying documentation.
The announcement follows months of consultation and signals a significant shift towards enhancing energy efficiency standards in buildings across the country — a core element of the government’s plan to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for households
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