Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether it is his intention for modern high heat retention storage heaters to meet the future requirements for achieving EPC C and if he will make a statement on the timelines for implementing the new Home Energy Model.

In the Home Energy Model (HEM): Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) consultation, we proposed that electric heating with thermal storage – where its efficiency and use of off-peak electricity result in lower annual emissions than an equivalent direct electric system – would typically achieve a C rating or above. We are analysing consultation responses and will publish a Government Response by the end of the year. This consultation related to EPCs in England and Wales and the Scottish Government is developing its own policies for reformed EPCs.

HEM will be introduced as a methodology for demonstrating compliance with the English Future Home Standard (FHS) in the coming months and for EPCs in the second half of 2027.