EPC C by 2030: Government Consults on Big Changes for Private Rented Sector

12/02/2025

We wanted to share an update with you regarding Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and possible future changes.

The government have released a consultation on the proposed changes for MEES with new timeline for implementation, new EPC metrics, new threshold for MEES compliance, increased cost cap for exemptions and fines for non-compliance.

The headline proposals are:

• All tenancies to be a C rating by 2030

• New EPC metrics – the required C rating will be based on a ‘fabric’ rating of the property (ie. insulation, windows etc.) rather than the current rating based on cost.

The changes to the EPC will likely see the introduction of four metrics. Currently the EPC rating is based solely on the cost of energy used – which often penalises electrical heating as it is an expensive fuel, which is contrary to the governments push to decarbonise the electricity grid and move away from fossil fuels. The cost metric will still feature as one of the four EPC metrics, but will sit alongside the following additional metrics:

• Fabric – this will be an A-G rating of how energy efficient the fabric of the building is. Ie. how well insulated the property is, if the windows are double glazed etc.

• Heating system – this will be an A-G rating of how energy efficient the heating system is – looking at the boiler/heat pump operating efficiency and carbon emissions of the heating fuel.

• Smart technology – this will be an A-G rating on the smart technology at the property – eg. solar/PV. Battery storage. High heat retention storage heaters. Smart meters etc.

We don’t yet have any detail on how these new metrics will be calculated and what a ‘C’ rated fabric property will look like. When we know more on this we will share. The government is aiming to introduce the new metrics sometime in 2026.

Our accreditation body have produced a useful news article that summarises in more detail the proposed changes and has links to the governments consultation. Please read here: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/blog/2025/02/07/epc-c-by-2030-government-consults-on-big-changes-for-private-rented-sector/

This is the first we have seen of the proposed changes, so wanted to share with you to keep you informed of the possible changes that are coming. We will share more information once we know more about what the new EPC metrics will be and how they are calculated.

We believe that the fabric first approach is the right approach, as insulating a property, upgrading windows etc. is always going to improve the properties energy efficiency, rather than rating the property based on the cost of fuel – fuel prices change and do not always reflect the energy efficiency of the heating system. There will also be surveying methodology changes for us to factor in to our EPC surveys - hopefully the proposed changes will bring greater accuracy and promote decarbonisation.