Energy efficiency guides target agents, landlords and tenants in private sector

Two new handbooks have been released offering advice to the private rental sector on how to improve energy efficiency. 

Electricity distributor UK Power Networks says its new guides separately cover property improvement advice for landlords, and show tenants how to do an energy audit.

The power company is working with Home Energy Efficiency Training charity to engage with agents, landlord focus groups, and forums for private tenants to ensure they have access to information and resources to improve the quality of housing stock and, in turn, reduce energy bills.

UK Power Networks’ fuel poverty programme strives to reach all fuel poor homes in the communities it serves with energy advice issued to around 800,000 families. 

Although the company does not directly bill people for energy, it claims this has already resulted in savings of more than £48m for customers through reduced utility bills from their suppliers.

Kerry Potter, consumer vulnerability manager at UK Power Networks, says: “Our project work with HEET will enable us to target the right people to benefit. Through the launch of the handbooks we are looking to highlight and unlock what help is available to families whose homes are hard to heat.

“This is a call to action for all relevant organisations to get in touch with HEET and obtain the resources that are now on offer to bring about more energy efficient homes.”

And Tom Ruxton, co-ordinator for the HEET charity, adds: “HEET is very keen to work with private landlords to improve the efficiency of their properties and to work with tenants to reduce their fuel costs ... we are identifying privately rented homes with low EPC ratings and providing a package of support, backed by enforcement if necessary, to raise standards.”