## Government Considers New EPC Metric System Impacting Heating Choices

The UK government is reportedly planning to change how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are calculated, introducing a new metric system that evaluates a property’s fabric performance, smart readiness, energy cost, and heating system. According to a report in The Telegraph, ministers may impose a cap on the highest EPC rating achievable by homes heated with fossil fuels, such as gas boilers. This change aligns with the government’s commitment that all private rented properties must meet an EPC C rating by 2030.

## Heat Pumps Could Become Essential for Meeting EPC C

Under the proposed system, landlords must achieve an EPC C rating for fabric performance, which assesses insulation and window quality. Beyond this, landlords can select two additional metrics to meet the overall rating. One such metric, smart readiness, evaluates a property’s ability to generate its own electricity, often requiring solar panels and smart meters for a C rating.

The Telegraph suggests the government may prevent properties heated by fossil fuels from reaching a C rating under the heating system metric. Conversely, electric heat pumps would automatically satisfy this standard. This potential rule could drive landlords towards installing heat pumps to comply with EPC requirements.

## Challenges of Installing Heat Pumps in Existing Properties

Industry voices caution that mandating heat pumps could pose significant challenges. Tim Thomas, senior policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, told The Telegraph: “Under the reformed EPC framework, many landlords will effectively be forced to install specific technologies, such as heat pumps or solar panels, in order to meet an EPC C rating.”

He emphasised that for many existing homes—especially older, rural, or hard-to-treat properties—installing heat pumps is “neither straightforward nor affordable.” Thomas also highlighted concerns about the limited skilled workforce, restricted access to grants, and ongoing uncertainty about how the new EPC metrics will function in practice. Current funding schemes often have strict eligibility criteria based on tenant income, location, or other factors, further complicating upgrades.

## Flexibility Remains for Meeting EPC C Without Heat Pumps

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has clarified that landlords can still meet the fabric performance metric with a gas boiler, as this metric is independent of the heating system. However, properties with solid walls or complex layouts may face additional difficulties, depending on the final methodology for assessing heat loss.

The NRLA explains that while a gas boiler is unlikely to meet the heating system metric under the new EPC, landlords can instead meet the smart readiness metric by installing solar photovoltaic panels or smart controls. This approach offers flexibility and avoids forcing landlords into premature or impractical heating system changes.

## Government Forecasts Significant Uptake of Solar Panels and Heat Pumps

The government’s own impact assessments predict that by 2030, landlords will install approximately 937,698 solar panel systems and 108,749 heat pumps to comply with EPC regulations. A spokesperson from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero told The Telegraph: “Landlords will not be forced to install a heat pump.”

The spokesperson added: “We stand by the principle that every renter has the right to a decent, safe and affordable home, and almost half of privately rented homes already meet the standards.” They also noted that the new standards have been welcomed by both tenant and landlord groups as a positive development.

## What This Means for UK Landlords

Landlords should prepare for changes in EPC assessment that could influence heating system choices and energy efficiency investments. While heat pumps may become a more common solution to meet EPC C standards, there remains flexibility through other metrics such as smart readiness. However, landlords of older or complex properties should be aware of the potential costs and practical difficulties associated with installing heat pumps.

Keeping informed about government guidance and available funding schemes will be essential as the 2030 EPC C deadline approaches.