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Print articleAs a result of a government climb-down last month, EPCs and HIPs are now to be phased in starting with four bedroom homes and larger properties - rolling out to other sized properties once sufficient energy inspectors are in place nationally and regionally to meet demand.
The Government estimates that 2,000 accredited assessors and inspectors will be needed to introduce EPCs and HIPs to three bedroom homes, with a total of 3,000 needed to cover the whole market.
The latest figures, supplied by accreditation agencies, show there are currently over 1,000 accredited energy assessors and homes inspectors. This is above the threshold needed to introduce HIPs on August 1st for four bedroom homes and larger. More than 4,700 assessors and inspectors have passed their training exams.
The major HIP providers are also to guarantee an EPC and HIP to consumers within seven working days of a pack being commissioned - consumers will receive a ?100 refund on the pack if it is not produced in time.
Leading up to implementation on August 1st, the Government, working with HIP providers, will be providing up to 5,000 subsidised EPCs for every HIP commissioned. With an EPC many homeowners to be able to apply for grants of ?100 to ?300 to help with energy efficiency improvements such as loft insulation.
Ruth Kelly said:
?HIPs and EPCs will provide an opportunity to make real progress on transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment. The approach outlined today will phase in the introduction of HIPs and EPCs while making early carbon savings from homes.?
Yvette Cooper said:
?Energy Performance Certificates are projected to save nearly a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020, and help families to cut hundreds of pounds from their fuel bills.
?Homebuyers will for the first time get energy ratings on homes - similar to consumer friendly fridge ratings - as well as cost-effective measures that will help reduce the 27 per cent of emissions that come from homes.?
Energy Performance Certificates are supported by environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Energy Savings Trust.
