Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) give homeowners a snapshot of how energy efficient their home is and how much impact it has on the environment. We’ve put this page together to explain what it means for you, and how it could affect the feed-in tariff (FIT) our customers receive for generating their own electricity.
What’s it all about?
An EPC consists of a chart of seven coloured bands, ranging from a rating of A (the most efficient, in dark green) to G (the worst, in red). It should look pretty familiar, as appliances like washing machines and fridges have been using the rating system for years. A second chart uses the same ratings to show CO2 emissions.
All new homes and any home that’s being sold or let must be assessed and given a rating. As well as rating the home from A to G, the EPC will also tell you what you can do to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, and show you the rating your home could achieve with those new measures in place. It also estimates before-and-after costs for heating and lighting the property.
How do you get one?
It’s important to get your EPC from an accredited domestic energy assessor (DEA). For a list of accredited suppliers, check the Landmark website, which is run on behalf of the government. You should expect to pay around £100 for an average-sized house.
What makes a good rating?
The EPC rating will be based on a range of factors including insulation, ventilation, windows, hot-water system, radiators and light bulbs. It will also take the size, age, position and type of property into account.
Any rating of C or above is seen as good, and it’s worth remembering an energy-efficient home is also a more cost-efficient home. If that’s something you’re looking to achieve, there are a number of changes you can make:
• Installing cavity-wall and loft insulation
• Using energy-efficient light bulbs
• Insulating your hot-water cylinder
• Upgrading to a more efficient boiler
• Getting double glazing fitted
What does it mean for our customers?
The Department of Energy and Climate Change recently announced a change to the feed-in tariff that homeowners receive for generating their own green electricity via solar panels. Their review document also proposed that, as of 31 March 2012, homes must reach a certain energy efficiency standard to qualify for the higher tariff of 21p per kWh. So if you’re considering installing solar panels it makes good sense to introduce other energy-saving measures first.
