New energy standards ‘will help renters cut bills by £240 a year’

New energy-efficiency standards for landlords could help renters cut their bills by hundreds of pounds.

The government wants all private landlords in England and Wales to make sure their properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030.

Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, believes this could save people living in private rented accommodation £240 a year.

“For years, tenants have been abandoned and forgotten as opportunities to deliver warm homes and lower energy bills have been disregarded and ignored,” he commented.

Mr Miliband said the plans would also make sure all private landlords invest in their properties, and build on the good work that many have already done to make their homes more energy-efficient.

Angela Rayner, the housing secretary and deputy prime minister, added: “For far too long, we have seen too many tenants plagued by shoddy and poor conditions in their homes.

“This government is taking swift action to right the wrongs of the past.”

The plans are now up for consultation and both landlords and tenants are being encouraged to express their views.

Government praised for ‘ambitious’ approach

The announcement has been welcomed by National Energy Action, as the private rented sector includes “some of the worst quality housing, lived in by some of the most vulnerable people”.

“Millions of households are struggling to pay their bills,” said chief executive Adam Scorer.

“A disproportionate number of these live in privately rented properties.

“A more vigorous, ambitious approach is very welcome to get back on track to lift millions out of the daily despair of a cold home and unaffordable bills.”

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, added that one in four private renters live in fuel poverty.

This, he said, is the highest rate of any housing tenure.

“If we can’t afford to heat our homes properly, that makes us vulnerable to ill-health and other problems in the home like damp and mould,” Mr Twomey commented.