A new study has revealed the areas in England and Wales with the lowest average EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings, potentially revealing the areas in the country where people will pay a premium to keep their homes warm during the colder months as the energy price cap increases.
The study by the Finnish electricity comparison site Sähkösopimukset analysed data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities on energy efficiency certificates issued across the UK during July 2024. Researchers ranked each local authority by their homes’ average Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) scores out of 100.
SAP is the calculation method used to determine the EPC rating. Essentially, the SAP is the underlying calculation, with the EPC rating being the public-facing result.
In first place is the Isle of Anglesey, Wales, with an average EPC score of 55.64 out of 100, equating to a D-rated EPC certificate and just 0.65 points above an E-rating. 144 homes were surveyed in July 2024, with the Isle of Anglesey's homes being 19% less energy efficient than the average home, with an average rating of 68.7 out of 100.
In second place is Ceredigion, Wales, with an average EPC rating of 58.33 out of 100. Still within the D-band, Ceredigion’s 177 homes surveyed throughout July 2024 are 15.09% less energy efficient than the average home.
Third place goes to Gwynedd, Wales, with an average EPC rating of 61.70 out of 100. Despite being slightly more energy efficient than the Isle of Anglesey and Ceredigion, Gwynedd's rating is still 10.19% below the average home. A total of 293 homes were surveyed throughout July 2024 in Gwynedd.
In fourth place is Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, with an average EPC rating of 62.01 out of 100. Homes in Malvern Hills are 9.74% less energy-efficient than the average home, with an average rating of 68.7 out of 100. A total of 166 homes were surveyed throughout July 2024 in Malvern Hills.
South Norfolk takes the fifth spot on the list, with an average EPC rating of 62.4 out of 100—almost 9.17% less energy efficient than the average home. Throughout July 2024, 675 homes were surveyed in South Norfolk, the highest number of homes surveyed of any area within the top ten.
Sixth place goes to Powys, Wales, with the 293 homes surveyed during July 2024 seeing an average EPC rating of 62.6 out of 100.
North Devon is seventh, with the 238 homes surveyed throughout July 2024 receiving an average EPC rating of 62.71 out of 100.
Cotswold, Gloucestershire, ranks eighth on the list. The 187 homes surveyed during July 2024 received an average EPC rating of 62.97 out of 100.
Ninth place goes to the Isle of Wight, with homes receiving an average EPC rating of 63.04 out of 100.
In tenth place is Pendle, Lancashire, with homes receiving an average EPC rating of 63.11 out of 100.
Across England and Wales, 150,797 homes were surveyed throughout July 2024, with an average rating of 68.7 out of 100—equal to a D rating on an EPC certificate and just 0.3 points shy of a C rating.
Milton Keynes was found to have the highest energy efficiency ratings of any area in the UK, with an average score of 76.1 out of 100 across the 612 homes surveyed in July 2024—equal to a C rating on an EPC certificate. It was followed by Uttlesford and Tower Hamlets, scoring 74.77 and 74.53 out of 100, respectively.
Teemu Salminen, CEO of Sähkösopimukset, commented on the findings:
“The study's findings highlight significant variations in energy efficiency across different areas, revealing that rural areas tend to have lower energy efficiency ratings compared to more urbanised regions. This difference likely stems from older housing stock and less access to modern infrastructure in rural locations.”
“To help bridge this gap, it would be beneficial to prioritise investments in upgrading rural homes with energy-efficient technologies, such as improved insulation and modern heating systems. Such efforts could significantly raise energy efficiency standards, saving money on bills both in the short and long-term and helping with the well-being of residents in lower-efficiency homes.”
