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Home Energy Model: Energy Performance Certificate

DESNZ·consultation·low·21 Jan 2026·source document

This consultation is open for responses

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Summary

DESNZ consults on reforming Energy Performance Certificates through a new Home Energy Model methodology, expanding calculations to include on-site inspections and introducing four new headline metrics: Fabric Performance, Heating System, Smart Readiness and Energy Cost. The consultation seeks views on how these metrics should be calculated and translated into EPC scoring bands.

Why it matters

This is redistributive policy — treating symptoms of expensive energy rather than addressing supply or market structure. EPC reform may influence heat pump adoption and building efficiency investment, but operates through information provision rather than price signals.

Key facts

  • New Home Energy Model methodology
  • Four new headline metrics replacing current system
  • Expansion to on-site inspection calculations

Areas affected

behind the meter

Related programmes

Net Zero
Memo

As set out in the partial response to the EPB consultation, government is reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) assessments. These changes aim to provide better information to consumers, supporting warmer, cheaper-to-run homes and contribute to the UK’s commitments to reach net zero by 2050 and alleviate fuel poverty. In this consultation, government is seeking views on the EPC wrapper for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new methodology underpinning EPCs. The consultation asks view on: * The expansion of HEM to allow calculations based on on-site inspection of existing dwellings (the HEM equivalent of RdSAP). * Our proposals for how the new headline metrics (Fabric Performance, Heating System, Smart Readiness and Energy Cost) should be calculated and translated into EPC scoring bands. Read the [consultation document on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/home-energy-model-energy-performance-certificates).