Thousands of Households to Benefit from Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Households across England and Wales are set to benefit from cheaper energy bills and warmer homes as the government accelerates its Plan for Change. The initiative aims to lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty by 2030, particularly in the private rental sector, where many tenants are living in cold and poorly insulated homes.
New Energy Efficiency Standards for Private Landlords
Under the new plan, all private landlords will be required to ensure their properties meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030—up from the current EPC E standard.
This means landlords will need to invest in energy-saving measures such as:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Double glazing
The move is expected to save tenants an average of £240 per year on energy bills while ensuring landlords are not undercut by those neglecting property improvements. Currently, 48% of private rental homes already meet EPC C standards, and ministers want this extended across the sector.
Government Support for Landlords
To help landlords comply with the new regulations, the government has proposed:
✔ A funding cap of £15,000 per property for energy efficiency improvements
✔ An affordability exemption lowering the cap to £10,000 for landlords with lower-rent properties
✔ Access to support schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Warm Homes: Local Grant
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:
“For far too long, tenants have been plagued by shoddy and poor conditions in their homes. This government is taking swift action to right the wrongs of the past. Through our Plan for Change, we are driving up housing standards, improving quality of life, and slashing energy bills for working families.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added:
“For years, tenants have been abandoned as opportunities to deliver warm homes and lower energy bills have been ignored. These new changes will ensure all private landlords invest in improving their properties, helping to cut bills and improve living conditions for renters.”
Consultation and Future Plans
The government is seeking views from tenants and landlords on these proposals before finalising legislation. Additionally, a revised fuel poverty strategy is being developed to:
- Improve home energy performance
- Support low-income households with affordability
- Protect vulnerable people from high energy costs
These steps build on the government’s Clean Power Action Plan, which aims to boost clean energy, empower Ofgem to better regulate energy companies, and upgrade 300,000 homes under the Warm Homes Plan this financial year.
Stakeholder Reactions
? Rt Hon Caroline Flint, Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty:
“The lack of investment by some landlords in tackling fuel poverty has gone on for too long. I welcome these measures to drive up standards in private rentals.”
? Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action:
“Millions of households struggle to pay their bills, and many of them live in privately rented properties. Strengthening energy efficiency standards for landlords is a vital step forward.”
? Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent:
“One in four private renters live in fuel poverty. These plans could help tenants live in healthier, warmer homes.”
Have Your Say
Tenants and landlords are encouraged to participate in the government consultation to help shape the future of energy-efficient, affordable housing.
For more information, visit the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero website.
