Government confirms EPC reform will be postponed to second half of 2027

The UK’s system for assessing the energy performance of buildings is undergoing the most significant overhaul in more than a decade. Across the UK, governments are finalising reforms aimed at modernising Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and improving the accuracy, usability, and relevance of building energy information.

In a recent update from the UK and Scottish Government, it has been confirmed that EPC reform release dates will be pushed back to the second half of 2027 (previously October 2026).

England & Wales: What we know so far

On the 21^st January 2026 Government released a partial response to EPC reform alongside the Government’s Warm Homes Plan. Within that partial response we learnt of the intentions to move away from a single headline metric and the introduction of a new style EPC around multiple performance metrics. A retainment of the 10-year validity period and clearer guidance on when EPC’s are required including Listed buildings and HMO’s. Further information on the partial response can be found here > 

In the response Government stated an ambitious aim of delivering these changes by October 2026 alongside the implementation of the Home Energy Model (HEM). Elmhurst and wider industry had questioned this timeline from the offset deeming it optimistic but unrealistic when taking into account what needs to be delivered in order to achieve this:

• The training and upskilling of thousands of energy assessors
• Re-development of the DEA qualification for new entrants
• The full methodology or transition documents are yet to be published
• Conventions require updating
• Software/UI approval
• DEA feedback/user groups, including beta testing of new software.

Following engagement with industry on delivery timelines, EPC reform will be delayed until the second half of 2027. Government will now work with industry and the devolved administrations to agree a revised launch date and a shared implementation plan by summer 2026.

Read the full update from Government below.

Scotland: What we know so far

On the 10^th March Scottish Government have also confirmed a delay to introducing new-style EPC certificates, validity periods and rating systems. They have confirmed that they will not come into force in October 2026 as planned.

The current EPC system under the 2008 regulations will remain in place until further notice while Scotland aligns its timeline with the UK Government’s revised EPC reform schedule.

The reforms rely on the Home Energy Model and new assessor training being finalised across the UK, meaning a new implementation date cannot be confirmed yet. Scotland have stated that they expect to confirm after the Scottish Parliament election, with regulations then being updated.

Read the update from Scottish Government below.

Are there any update to MEES timelines in England and Wales?

At the time of writing, we have had no information to say that there are any proposed changes to the Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) in the private or social rental sector and the move to EPC band C by 2030. You can read a full update on MEES for the private and social rented sector below form Elmhurst’s previous news articles:

• Update on Private Rented Sector MEES: READ HERE >
• Update on Social Rented Sector MEES: READ HERE >