New-build families to slash £830 off energy bills with Future Homes Standard

• Future Homes Standard to include solar and clean heating requirements on new-build homes 
• People buying new-builds could save up to £830 per year on their energy bills
• Energy bills will be reduced by £117 thanks to the Energy Price Cap

Families buying new-build homes could save up to £830 a year on their energy bills, compared to a standard home with an EPC rating of C, under new rules announced as part of the Future Homes Standard. 

The measures, which include installing solar panels and clean heating as standard, will ensure that new homes are built cheaper to run, more comfortable, and affordable. They will also ensure new builds create at least 75% less carbon emissions than those built to the 2013 standard. 

The news comes ahead of next week’s Energy Price Cap drop, offering a £117 reduction on energy bills, which comes into effect from 1 April and will remain in place until the end of June, as well as last week’s announcement that all new builds in Wales will require solar panels as standard from 2027. 

Energy security

Ed Miliband, energy secretary, said these measures are the result of “decisive action” as the government looks to tackle volatile energy prices caused by the US-Israel-Iran war. To help households battling the high cost of living, Miliband  is speeding up plans for more clean, homegrown energy that the UK controls to ensure energy sovereignty and security. 

“The US-Iran conflict has once again shown our drive for clean power is essential for our energy security, so we can escape the grip of fossil fuel markets we don’t control,” he said. 

“Whether through solar panels fitted as standard on new homes or making it possible for people to purchase plug-in solar in shops, we are determined to roll out clean power, so we can give our country energy sovereignty.” 

Housing secretary Steve Reed has welcomed the news and stated that as the UK makes the switch to clean, homegrown energy, today’s standard is what the future of housing can and should look like. 

“Not only will these changes protect hardworking families from shocks abroad but they will also slash hundreds of pounds off their energy bills every year,” he said. 

‘Windy day’ discount trial

The government has also announced a new trial this winter that will enable energy companies to offer discounted energy bills to customers on windy days, rather than continuing the previous default practice of paying wind turbines to turn off. The move will predominantly benefit Scotland and East of England households.

Written By

Tamara Birch Newsletters and sponsored content editor

Tamara is a journalist with more than six years experience writing about environmental topics. This includes advising small businesses on cost-effective ways tom become more sustainable, from installing to solar panels and heat pumps and reducing waste. She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment – all while reducing monthly costs. Now, she’s using this experience to advise homeowners on the benefits of installing low-carbon technologies. She is also qualified in offering innovative initiatives to improve sustainability practices in businesses, from advertising to marketing and publishing.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

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