Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards consultation launched

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A long-awaited consultation on new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in social housing launched last week, with the Government seeking views on proposals until 10th September 2025.

The Government is proposing, as expected, that all social homes will be required to meet a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard of EPC C by 2030. The EPC system will, however, be different to the one currently in use following reforms to EPCs.

Under the Government’s preferred option, properties will be required to meet a required standard under a primary ‘fabric performance metric’, and one of either a ‘heating system’ or ‘smart readiness’ metric.

  • Fabric performance metric – includes measures such as insulation, windows and doors which increase thermal comfort and reduce heat demand.
  • Heating system metric – includes the hot water and heating systems and potentially cooking appliances.
  • Smart readiness metric – includes measures such as solar PV, batteries and smart thermostats which optimise the home to integrate in a more flexible energy system and benefit from smart energy tariffs.

Exemptions

The proposals include a “time-limited spend exemption”, meaning that the maximum a landlord would be required to spend to comply with MEES before 1st April 2030 is £10,000.  If a landlord spends £10,000 on the property and it still cannot be made compliant, a ten-year exemption will be granted.

Any property that already has an EPC at C or above will be considered compliant with the new requirements until the EPC expires. This will also be the case for any properties that receive a new EPC between now and 1st April 2028.

The consultation seeks views on all of these proposals and more, with further details available here. We will be working with our members between now and 10th September on our response. All views and perspectives on this consultation from members are welcome. Please contact Senior Policy and Research Manager, Tom Kennedy, to discuss these issues further at tom.kennedy@northern-consortium.org.uk.

If you want to find out more about the recent announcements and contribute to the NHC’s response to the consultation, the NHC Policy team will be speaking at our Disrepair Network on the 24th July and the next Policy Network is due to take place on the 6th August.