The UK government is consulting on new rules that could significantly raise the standards for socially rented homes in England. The consultation, running from July to September 2025, proposes setting a minimum EPC requirement for properties managed by local authorities and housing associations. The target under discussion is moving towards EPC C by 2030 , bringing social housing in line with the wider push for higher efficiency across the property sector.  Currently, many socially rented homes have very low EPC ratings. This not only leads to higher energy bills for tenants but also contributes to fuel poverty and poor living conditions. The proposed changes aim to tackle these issues head-on by ensuring homes are warmer, more efficient, and cheaper to run. For local authorities, this would mean legally binding obligations to upgrade their housing stock over the next five years. The scale of the challenge is significant. Social landlords manage millions of properties, many of which are older and harder to retrofit. Meeting EPC C will require widespread fabric upgrades such as insulation, ventilation, windows and doors, along with renewable technologies including heat pumps and solar PV. Standard trades such as heating, plumbing, electrical, and building works will also play a key role in achieving compliance. While the consultation signals strong intent from government, it also raises concerns for housing providers already struggling with budget pressures and resource constraints. Funding routes exist, but accessing and managing them can be complex. The risk is that without the right expertise, projects stall or fail to deliver the required outcomes. TF Energy is well-placed to support this transition. Our teams specialise in large-scale retrofit projects, combining compliance expertise with hands-on delivery. We help councils and housing associations navigate documentation, design effective upgrade programmes, and carry out the installations needed to raise EPC ratings. With experience across fabric, renewable, and traditional trades, we provide complete solutions that deliver measurable improvements for residents while keeping organisations on track with government targets. If the proposals are adopted, the clock will be ticking for social landlords. Acting early will reduce costs, secure reliable partners, and ensure housing stock is improved in a way that benefits both tenants and communities.

Across the UK, a shift is taking place in how people view energy efficiency. For years, the market has been flooded with smart gadgets promising to save money and cut carbon. From Wi-Fi controlled plugs to app-based heating add-ons, homeowners and businesses were encouraged to believe technology alone could transform energy use. Now, the reality is setting in. Many of these products deliver little more than novelty, with users admitting they see no meaningful reduction in their bills. Recent surveys show growing regret among households and businesses that invested in flashy tech without addressing the fundamentals. The lesson is clear. Energy efficiency must be built on measures that deliver measurable impact, not gimmicks that look good but change little. The real value lies in proven improvements. Fabric upgrades such as insulation, double glazing, and controlled ventilation reduce heat loss at source. Heating system upgrades, from efficient boilers to modern heat pumps, cut ongoing consumption. Renewable technologies such as solar PV and battery storage allow clients to generate and use more of their own energy. Each of these measures provides tangible benefits in the form of lower bills, higher EPC ratings, and improved comfort. For landlords and commercial property owners, focusing on these no-nonsense improvements is also the only way to remain compliant with upcoming regulations. By 2027, rented properties must reach EPC C, rising to EPC B by 2030. Smart gadgets alone cannot bridge that gap. Whole-building solutions are required, integrating both traditional trades and new technologies in a way that makes properties future-proof. At TF Energy, we focus on what works. Our role is to cut through the noise of the latest fads and help clients invest where it matters most. We combine fabric improvements, renewable systems, and standard trades into tailored packages that achieve compliance, reduce costs, and deliver long-term value. In a time when energy prices remain volatile and regulatory deadlines are approaching fast, clients are looking for results they can see and measure. Real efficiency, not gimmicks, is what makes the difference.

The government has set ambitious targets for energy efficiency, but for many property owners the gap between regulation and reality is widening. By 2027, all rented properties must achieve EPC C. By 2030, the requirement increases to EPC B. These deadlines are fast approaching, and the cost of failing to comply is significant. Properties that do not meet the standard will not only face penalties but could become legally unlettable.  The challenge is scale. Commercial landlords and portfolio owners are looking at entire building stocks that need urgent upgrades. Many older properties were built with little thought for insulation, ventilation, or renewable technology. Retrofitting them to modern standards is not a simple task. It requires careful planning, major investment, and access to a skilled supply chain that is already under strain. For many owners, the biggest concern is feasibility. The cost of whole-building upgrades can be daunting, particularly when factored across large portfolios. Add to that the uncertainty around government guidance and the limited availability of trusted installers, and it is clear why so many property managers feel exposed. Waiting until the last minute is a high-risk strategy, but many are unsure how to move forward. The practical reality is that no single measure will deliver compliance. Most buildings require a package of improvements, from fabric upgrades such as insulation, glazing, and ventilation, through to renewable technologies like heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage. Sequencing these works properly is just as important as the measures themselves, as poor planning can lead to wasted investment or failed compliance checks. TF Energy bridges this gap between ambition and delivery. Our role is to manage the compliance process, handle the documentation, and deliver the practical works on site. We cover everything from assessments and design through to full installation, including standard trades such as heating, plumbing, electrical, and building works. By combining technical expertise with hands-on delivery, we help clients meet regulatory demands without unnecessary cost or disruption. The regulations are not going away. Owners who act now will spread costs, secure reliable contractors, and protect the value of their assets. Those who delay risk being left behind with properties that are both non-compliant and unlettable.

The UK is investing heavily in social housing upgrades, with billions now being directed towards energy efficiency. These programmes are designed to cut bills for low-income households, reduce carbon emissions, and help meet national climate targets. For councils and housing providers, this funding represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Earlier this year, the government announced a £1.8 billion investment into home energy-saving upgrades. The funding is focused on practical improvements such as insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, and solar panels. These are the measures that deliver immediate results by reducing energy consumption, lowering household costs, and improving comfort for residents. Alongside this, the National Wealth Fund has stepped in with £250 million in guaranteed loans to support social housing retrofit projects. Combined with other financial support, this brings the total package close to £1 billion in additional backing for housing providers. The intention is clear: push local authorities and registered social landlords to accelerate retrofit delivery across their housing stock. While the money is welcome, accessing and using it effectively is not straightforward. Funding often comes with complex criteria, strict reporting requirements, and tight deadlines. Many councils and housing associations struggle with the administrative side of these schemes, leading to delays or missed opportunities. The reality is that technical knowledge, project management, and compliance expertise are just as important as the funding itself. This is where TF Energy provides real value. We support local authorities and housing providers by focusing on the delivery phase. Our teams specialise in whole-building retrofits, covering fabric upgrades such as insulation, windows and doors, along with renewable technologies including air source heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage. We also manage the standard trades such as heating, plumbing, electrical, and building works, ensuring every project is completed to PAS-accredited standards. By working with TF Energy, clients gain a trusted partner who understands both the compliance landscape and the practical realities of installation. The result is projects that deliver measurable improvements for residents, meet government targets, and make best use of available funding.  The government’s message is clear. Social housing providers are expected to act now and improve the performance of their stock. With the right partner, these projects can transform homes, reduce bills, and leave a lasting positive impact on communities.

The clock is ticking for landlords and property owners. By 2027, every rented property must achieve EPC C or above. By 2030, the requirement rises to EPC B. Those who fail to comply face more than just fines. They risk having properties they cannot legally rent or lease. If the 2030 rules were enforced today, fines could reach £1.66 billion across the UK. Around 39% of homes still sit below EPC C, showing just how far the market needs to move. For portfolio landlords and commercial property investors, this is not a distant policy. It is a financial and operational reality already shaping the sector. The risks go deeper than penalties. Non-compliant buildings are harder to finance and insure, with lenders increasingly reluctant to back low-rated properties. Valuations are also under pressure. Assets that cannot generate rental income quickly lose value, leaving owners exposed. Upgrading is not as simple as replacing a boiler. Most properties need a mix of fabric improvements such as insulation, ventilation and glazing, along with renewable technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage. These upgrades reduce energy waste, cut bills and improve comfort for tenants. They must also be planned and delivered properly to achieve the required EPC ratings. This is where TF Energy provides real assurance. We manage the compliance process so our clients do not get lost in paperwork and regulation. At the same time, our installation teams deliver the practical upgrades needed to transform buildings. From insulation and renewable technologies through to heating, plumbing, electrical and building works, we provide a complete retrofit service that raises EPC ratings and protects long-term asset value. The deadlines of 2027 and 2030 may sound close, but waiting will only increase costs as demand for skilled retrofit work intensifies. Acting now is the smarter choice, ensuring properties remain compliant, profitable and ready for the future.

Energy efficiency is no longer a “nice to have.” In the UK, regulation, rising costs, and shifting public expectations are forcing building owners and operators to act now. Here are the headlines shaping the retrofit and compliance landscape today. EPC Deadlines Driving Urgency By 2027, all rented properties will need an EPC rating of C or above. By 2030, the bar rises to B. Any property that falls short risks becoming unlettable. A recent study suggested fines could reach £1.66 billion if current housing stock fails to improve in time. For landlords and commercial property owners, the message is clear: upgrade now or lose revenue later. Public Funding on the Table The government has announced a £1.8 billion investment into energy-saving upgrades for social housing. The focus is on fabric improvements like insulation and windows, combined with renewable technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps. This shows where the market is heading: large-scale, whole-building upgrades that deliver lasting savings and meet compliance. Energy Costs Still Biting Despite stabilisation in wholesale markets, UK businesses and households are still facing energy bills up to 60% higher than three years ago. Wasted energy directly eats into operating margins and household budgets. Efficiency remains the most reliable way to cut costs and improve resilience against future price rises. Battery Storage on the Rise EDF recently partnered with Fidra Energy to develop two large-scale battery storage units in Yorkshire. When completed, they’ll deliver capacity of around 560MW, helping balance supply and demand as more renewables come online. Storage technology is moving fast, and businesses with on-site renewables are already looking at ways to capture and use more of their own energy. What This Means for You For local authorities, landlords, contractors and businesses, the pressure is building on two fronts: compliance deadlines and financial performance. The quickest wins often come from fabric measures such as insulation, ventilation, and glazing, paired with modern systems like heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage. The result is reduced consumption, lower bills, improved comfort, and stronger asset value. At TF Energy, our focus is on delivering practical, whole-building solutions that cut through the noise. We manage compliance and installation from start to finish, giving clients confidence that their properties are future-proof, cost-efficient, and ready to meet the standards ahead.

Air source heat pumps are an all-round solution to the multi-layered practical requirements we have for low carbon heating systems here in the UK but are they worth it in the long run? Not only do air source heat pumps provide the high-performing, flexible, on-demand service we need to suit hectic family life, they are also simple to install. Indeed, once a heat pump system is in place, you can continue with existing family routines with the benefit of knowing you’re no longer pumping out high levels of toxic carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Whilst these advantages sound great - what about the other side of the coin? What about energy bills and running costs? How energy efficient are air source heat pumps and will they really save you money if you compare running costs with a gas boiler? Air source heat pumps are a heating solution that’s built for the future so drawing comparisons about how worthwhile they are isn’t straightforward and you need to know what’s on the horizon to understand the value heat pumps offer. Let’s take a closer look at whether air source heat pumps are really worth it? Are air source heat pumps energy efficient? The energy efficiency of air source heat pumps really are worth noting because they come in at around 350%. Compare that figure to the 90% efficiency of a traditional gas boiler and you can see how savings can be found. So what about energy costs when switching from a gas boiler to an air source heat pump which uses a proportion of electricity to run? Are air source heat pumps cheaper to run than a gas boiler? It’s impossible to consider running costs for air source heat pumps without recognising our energy costs and attitudes towards fossil fuel use are changing. A low carbon future is already on the way. One of the fall-outs of low carbon changes is that gas prices will become ever-more expensive whilst electricity costs decline. In its March 2017 Energy Prices and Bills Committee Report, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) outlined the degree to which gas prices were predicted to rise by 2030. Back then, the Climate Change Committee’s predictions were that ‘rising wholesale gas prices’ and other factors ‘could add over £200’ to domestic bills. Today, we know economic factors alone mean future gas price rises are likely to be even bigger. Indeed, our changing attitudes to fossil fuel use here in the UK was highlighted by a 2021 IPSOS poll. The study found 84% of Brits are prepared to make lifestyle changes to address climate change. Meanwhile, 81% are in favour of replacing gas and fossil fuels with low carbon energy sources . Likewise, future government energy agendas, at home and abroad, are set to swing in the favour of heat pump owners. Here in the UK, for example, gas boilers are already set to be phased out for new build properties by 2025 with further plans to end new gas boiler installations by 2035. On the other hand, the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme will reward you with a £5000 grant to cut installation and purchase costs for a new heat pump. More about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. With all this in mind, we can’t compare running costs for gas boilers and air source heat pumps without considering the degree to which prices will change in favour of electricity in future. So how do running costs compare? Will an air source heat pump save me money? Comparing the running costs for a gas boiler and a heat pump system (which partly runs on electricity) is not a clear cut task. That’s because the real question is how much energy will you use when you install an air source heat pump. Here’s why: You’ll use less energy with an air source heat pump installed because it runs at a far higher level of efficiency than a gas boiler meaning you’ll pay less for your energy use. Remember an air air source heat pump offers an efficiency rate of 350% whilst a gas boiler delivers 90%. If you use a heating and hot water system that’s powered by another type of fossil fuel, such as oil, your savings are likely to be even greater. Here’s how gas and heat pump systems compare in terms of cost per kWh. Air source heat pumps vs Gas boiler running costs

Solar photovoltaic panels or solar PV are solar panels which can be used to generateelectricity for homes and businesses. Increasingly popular, solar PV panels offer a practicaland flexible renewable system that’s rapidly growing in popularity. Fitting easily into contemporary lifestyles, solar PV panels don’t need it to actually be sunnyoutside to work. They transform direct sunlight into electricity so solar PV panels will stillwork on a cloudy day – essential for the changeable weather we have here in the UK. Steadily growing in popularity since the 1990s, solar PV systems are set to play an importantrole in our low carbon future. Lasting for decades with affordable purchase and installation costs, solar PV systems are super-easy to maintain and pretty much look after themselves. Here’s all you need to know about what solar PV is, the benefits it can offer you and the costs involved in installation. Solar PV: What is it? What is Solar PV? Solar photovoltaic panels (solar PV for short) take their name from the photovoltaic effect which is where light is transformed into electricity. Absorbing light through panels made from materials which are semi-conductors, such as silicon, solar PV can generate electricity to power homes and businesses. Solar PV panels come in a wide range of sizes and are most commonly installed on top of roofs. They can be made from: Microcrystalline: Formed from single crystals of silicon, microcrystalline solar panels are expensive because they offer superb efficiency, with the power to produce energy in all seasons. Microcrystalline panels are easy to identify because they are black. Polycrystalline: Composed of many silicon crystals, polycrystalline solar panels are quicker to manufacture making them more affordable. However, polycrystalline offers a lower level of efficiency so these blue solar panels are better for use in areas where levels of sunlight are high. Thin Film: Offering low efficiency, thin film solar panels are integrated or mounted onto panes of glass for use in things like windows or power stations. The history of solar PV panels The earliest use of photovoltaic energy was back in 1839 when the photovoltaic effect was used to create the first solar cell. Take a look at the rooftops in your local area and you’ll be surprised at how popular solar PV panels have become, accounting for around 3% of energy produced worldwide. Installation has grown since the 1990s with a sharp uptick in the number of PV systems in use in domestic homes in recent years. In fact, solar PV is now the third most popular type of renewable energy after wind and water. As we get closer to our low carbon future, numbers are set to rise because solar PV is easy to install and use, offering the flexibility we need for modern living. How do solar PV panels work? A solar panel consists of a collection of up to 96 solar cells able to produce around 275 watts of electricity as a collective. Finished with robust glass, each cell inside a solar PV panel absorbs light from the sun, energising the electrons (or other type of charged particle) contained inside to create an electric current. Solar panels can be installed on the: ground, wall, roof or as a floating installation. Solar PV vs Solar thermal Solar PV panels are not to be confused with solar thermal panels. Although they may look similar when installed on the roof of a property, the two types of solar panels each perform their own function. Solar PV panels generate electricity whilst solar thermal panels use heat from the sun to heat water for domestic or commercial use. Just to confuse the matter, if you wanted an all-round solar heating system you could install both PV and thermal panels to provide your heating and hot water. Solar PV panels cost around £1000 more to install than solar thermal panels. However, solar PV panels are the most practical option because they’ll remain effective in any season. Why use Solar PV panels? The benefits of using solar PV panels are many, here’s the top four advantages solar PV offers: Low costs: Not only is light from the sun free and ever-present, solar PV panels are also likely to require no further maintenance once installed. With installation possible from as little as £1000 and an ever-growing number of green grants available from the government, solar PV panels are an excellent low cost option. Reduce carbon consumption: Solar-powered energy means you’ll lower your household carbon consumption aiding the fight to slash global greenhouse gas emissions. Suitable in all weathers: Absorbing light from the sun, you can use solar PV panels all year without worry. Fits easily into existing lifestyles: The most popular location for the installation of solar PV panels are on the roof which means eliminates the inconvenience of extensive work inside your home. Once installed, you can continue to enjoy electricity as you did before. If required, you could install a hybrid system which enables you to use solar energy alongside a second back-up option, if necessary. Talk to an expert about the best solar PV system for your home. How much do solar PV panels cost to install? One of the great things about solar panels are that they are installed as panels so you can create arrays with a bespoke number of solar panels to both fit your roof and budget. Of course, you need to ensure the number of solar panels you install will provide a sufficient quantity of electricity for your home so talk to an expert installer to understand how many panels you’ll realistically need. Have you heard about the Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG) Grant? You could get money off the cost to purchase and install solar PV panels if you’re eligible. Currently it’s open to those with household incomes of less than £30,000. Discover more about the HUG Scheme. On average, UK homeowners tend to spend around £1000 - £6000 to purchase and install solar PV panels on the roof of their home. Give us a call today to learn more about solar PV panel installation or other renewable ways to power your London home or business. Call us today on 0207 272 2259 or send us a message.

The Home Upgrade Scheme will enable UK residents to apply for free wall insulation, roofinsulation and heating replacement until 2025. Why? Energy efficient solutions have multiple layers of benefits. On top of cutting carbon emissions, improving the energy efficiency of your home could help you knock at least a couple of hundred pounds off your energy bill. With energy costs rising fast and Net Zero ever closer, sealing the gaps in your home is more appealing than ever. Here’s all you need to know about what the Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG) is, who can apply and how. Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUG): What is it? What is the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Scheme? The Home Upgrade Grant is a UK government scheme, launched in February 2022, to help UK residents make their homes more energy efficient. Available to both homeowners and renters, under the scheme you can apply to your local authority for free wall and roof insulation as well as a replacement heating system which is more energy efficient. The grant award amount varies according to the local authority you apply to. You could get as much as £5000 to cover the cost of installation as well as the home survey which must be completed as part of the work. There’s flexibility in the type of insulation you choose for your walls and roof as well as the energy efficient heating system you opt for. For example, you could upgrade to a renewable heating system which would be a great way to ensure your home is future-ready or choose solar panels or cavity wall insulation. The government has set aside £67 million for HUG grants at present plus a further £883 million to be allocated over the next three years. At present, the scheme is scheduled to end in 2025. Who is the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Scheme for? The scheme is currently only open to some of England’s 333 local authorities. You can find a full list below. You must be a resident of an eligible local authority to apply. First preference is given to residents with low incomes. Applicants for the scheme may: have no connection to the gas grid at present because, for example, they may be living off-grid. be currently receiving benefits from the government. possess an Energy Performance Certificate graded for band D, E, F or G. Applicants must: have a household income of less than £30,000. agree to have a home survey completed for their property. live in an eligible borough. Which boroughs is the HUG scheme currently open to? The HUG scheme is currently open to residents of the following boroughs: Barnsley Blackpool Bristol Broadland Calderdale Cambridge & Peterborough Cambridge City Carlisle City Castle Point Central Bedfordshire Cheshire City of Bradford City of York Colchester Cornwall County Devon County Ealing East Lindsey East Riding of Yorkshire Hartlepool Hastings Leicester City Liverpool City Barking and Dagenham Newcastle Upon Tyne North Yorkshire Northumberland Nottingham City Oxfordshire Plymouth Portsmouth Redbridge Greenwich Sedgemoor Sevenoaks Sheffield City South Derbyshire Stroud Tess Valley Wakefield Walsall  Warwick West Suffolk Find the full list of eligible boroughs on the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s website. What is the purpose of the Home Upgrade Scheme? Fast-rising prices of electricity and gas are a major concern for all of us. Improving the energy efficiency of the walls and floors in a property goes some way to helping to reduce the amount of wasted energy which can escape through the walls, floor, roof and windows of your home. Improving insulation Poorly insulated walls can be responsible for as much as 35 – 45% of the heat lost from your home, the roof around 20%, making both top places for heat loss in the home. Tackling both areas as well as installation of a more energy efficient heating system will provide tangible improvements in energy costs whilst lowering the household carbon footprint. How much can I save? Around 4,300 homes are expected to take advantage of the first sums available, with the figure steadily increasing in the coming years. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have suggested it may be possible to slash around £200 off your annual heating bill by improving your wall and floor insulation whilst upgrading your heating system for one that’s more efficient. Obviously any savings will change according to your household energy use, the size of your home, the quality of your existing insulation etc. These are the type of small steps we will each find ourselves taking over the coming years and decades as we move towards a fossil fuel-free lifestyle. According to Lord Callanan, the Business and Energy Minister, the Home Upgrade Scheme ‘ will make a real difference to thousands of low-income households – saving them up to £200 a year on their energy bills through upgrades like better insulation.’ 1 Whilst it’s available, government grants like this should be snapped up quickly because they typically only last for a few years. When will the HUG scheme be open to all UK residents? We are currently in the first phase of the scheme so there are no details available at pesent about who else the scheme will open to in the coming years. With more than 10 times the original amount to be dished out before 2025 and Net Zero a pressing concern, it looks likely the government are planning to assess take up from the first phase whilst monitoring fuel prices, before setting terms for the next phase. Operating a bit like a hardship fund for energy efficiency, it makes sense to see how things progress over the course of the year. The scheme falls under the remit of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy so keep an eye on their website for updates on the scheme, which I’m sure will be announced in the winter. Give us a call today to learn more about the HUG Scheme or other ways you can make your London home or business more efficient. Call us today on 0207 272 2259 or send us a message.