HUNDREDS of thousands of renters could see gas and electricity bills fall by £180 a year due to new home energy efficiency laws.
From tomorrow landlords must install energy efficiency upgrades on properties which fall short of standards before renting them out again.
PA:Press Association
The government estimates that this new rule will help up to 300,000 of the coldest privately rented homes – and could save bill payers up to £180 a year.
The new measures mean landlords must ensure all properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of F or G warmer by installing floor insulation, low energy lighting or increasing loft insulation in homes.
They must complete the work otherwise they could be fined up to £5,000.
On average the work will cost £1,200 but where upgrades are over £3,000 landlords can apply for an exemption.
Rising fuel bills are part of the reason that 2.55million households in the UK are trapped in fuel poverty, according to Government analysis.
Last year, we reported on how 150,000 energy customers may go without light or heating because they can’t afford to top up their meters.
Insulating your home could chop up to £440 a year off bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
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But what if you want to do more to insulate your home?
The Big Six energy firms – EDF, E.ON, British Gas, nPower, Scottish Power and SSE – offer free insulation to low-income customers on certain benefits.
To get the free insulation then you must own your home or have permission from your landlord.
Read our guide to getting free insulation to find out what help is available.
Housing Minister Heather Wheeler said: “These new measures will help improve the coldest homes, protecting tenants whilst also saving them money.”
Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry said: “Eradicating fuel poverty is a priority for the Government and the measures introduced today help guarantee a warm home is a right not a privilege.”
Here’s how to compare and cut your gas and electricity bills by more than £300 a year.
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