Energy Performance Certificate

From October 2007, it has become mandatory for all rental properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This will have to be made available for the incoming Tenant to see before they sign a Tenancy agreement. Each property requires just one EPC, which is valid for 10 years (from date of issue).

This means the same EPC can be shown to however many Tenants that live in the property within that period. The Thurrock Energy Partnership can offer a discounted price for these EPC’s. For more information please contact our trained energy advisors.

Every 3 or more bedroom, domestic property sold in the UK, must have an Energy Performance Certificate for inclusion in the Home Information Pack (HIP), before the property can be sold. This means that Homeowners need to be far more aware of how energy efficient their home is and consequently, how large their Carbon Footprint is on the planet.

The EPCs will cover :

• property construction method and age,
• the level of insulation in walls, floors and loft,
• the type and amount of glazing,
• the type and condition of heating and hot water system,
• heating controls, such as thermostats, timer and TRVs,
• quantity and type of lighting.

Each home will then receive an assessment gauged against the UK’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for dwellings. It’s performance is rated in terms of the energy use per square metre of floor area, energy efficiency based on fuel costs and environmental impact based on CO2 emissions. The report will recommend low cost improvements to the properties energy efficiency and will also identify appropriate types of Renewable Energy Systems, that would further reduce the properties energy usage & CO2 emissions.

The Energy Savings Trust state that the average home could save up to £300 per year, on fuel bills if they implement the energy saving measures advised in the EPC.

The knock on effect to this for sellers, is that a more energy efficient and independent property, is going to be much more appealing to prospective buyers, in today’s market of ever spiraling fuel costs.

Thurrock Energy Discount Scheme

Thurrock Energy has negotiated a special price with a local contractor to provide an energy performance certificate service for £60. Contact Thurrock Energy for more details.

The Government and Local Communities Department have published leaflets for landlords and tenants to help explain Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) further.  Click on the following links to find out more:

• Energy Performance Certificates and renting homes: A landlord guide
• Energy Performance Certificates and renting homes: A tenants guide