Aipedia: Energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

AI and the move to new EPC metrics

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-30

AI tools can help explain the reformed EPC, but many still reflect the old single rating, so assessors must check outputs against the new metrics. Landlords and sellers are making decisions now, and advice based on the old framework can cost them money.

Part of: AI in energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

In short

MHCLG's January 2026 partial response introduces new domestic EPC headline metrics (energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness), keeps 10-year validity, requires a valid EPC at marketing and removes the heritage exemption. Government aimed to deliver new EPCs from October 2026. AI tools trained on older material may apply the old rating, mix up metrics or treat estimates as ratings. Date communications, separate information from advice and check outputs against the official material. Mis-advice claims are usually treated as negligence under PI.

How AI is being used to explain the new EPC

Clients are asking what the reformed EPC means for them, and assessors and consultants are turning to AI tools to draft explainers, client letters and FAQ answers. Some software providers are also adding AI features that predict how a property will score under the new metrics.

The difficulty is timing. Much of the material an AI tool has learned from describes the old single rating. Unless the tool is carefully configured, it may answer questions about the new EPC using the old framework.

What the reform says

MHCLG's partial government response on EPC reform was published on 21 January 2026 and updated on 9 March 2026. The points clients most often need explained are:

New headline metrics for domestic EPCs: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness, with secondary energy demand and carbon metrics.
Validity of 10 years is kept.
Marketing: a valid EPC will be required at the point of marketing.
HMOs and short-term lets: the response makes changes affecting both.
Heritage: the heritage exemption is removed.

Government said it was "working hard to deliver new EPCs from October 2026" and called the timeline "ambitious". Check the current launch position with your scheme before telling clients which EPC they will receive. The methodology is being developed through the Home Energy Model (HEM) consultation on existing dwellings and new EPC metrics. The response commits only to ensuring schemes and assessors are "equipped"; it sets out no change to accreditation or PI and does not mention AI.

Reg 24(1) of the EPB Regulations 2012 continues to require reasonable care and skill in assessments.

What can go wrong

During a transition, the risk is less about bad maths and more about the wrong framework. Typical errors are:

Old rating applied: an AI explainer tells a landlord their current band is what matters for 2030, when the target uses new EPCs.
Metric confusion: fabric performance and energy cost are mixed up, so the advised measure targets the wrong metric.
Premature certainty: stating launch dates or rules as settled when government described them as ambitious or still subject to regulations.
Removed exemptions: advice still relying on the heritage exemption.
Predictive scores: AI estimates of a future score presented as if they were an assessment.

Illustrative: an assessor sends landlord clients an AI-drafted newsletter saying that a property already rated C will not need further work. Under the new metrics, several of those properties fall short on fabric performance. Landlords delay works, then face higher costs and a compressed timetable. One alleges the newsletter was advice and claims for the extra cost.

How PI usually responds

Whether a general explainer creates a duty depends on the circumstances, but personalised advice to a client usually does. Claims arising from mis-advice about compliance are usually treated as negligence claims under PI, subject to the terms. Insurers may look at whether the communication was framed as general information or specific advice, so scope matters; see advice versus information. Our guide Do energy assessors need PI insurance? explains what a policy for this work usually includes.

Practical controls

During the transition, client communications need more care than usual. The checks that help are:

Date every client communication and say which EPC framework it refers to.
Check AI drafts against the government response and your scheme's guidance, not the tool's memory.
Present predicted scores as estimates, never as a rating.
Separate general information from advice on a specific property.
Complete the training your scheme provides for the new methodology and keep CPD records.

Landlords need particular care; see AI advice to landlords on EPC C by 2030 and AI-written EPC improvement advice.

How Apex helps

Apex arranges PI for energy assessors through the transition to new EPCs. A broker reviews how your policy treats advice given alongside certificates and AI-drafted client material. See the AI in energy assessment hub.

Sources

Frequently asked

When do new EPCs start?

MHCLG's January 2026 partial response said government was working hard to deliver new EPCs from October 2026 and described the timeline as ambitious. Check the current position with your accreditation scheme before advising clients.

What are the new EPC headline metrics?

For domestic EPCs the response sets four headline metrics: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness, with secondary energy demand and carbon metrics. The methodology is being developed through the Home Energy Model.

Can I use AI to predict a client's new EPC score?

You can use a tool to estimate, but present the result as an estimate and not as an assessment. Make sure the tool reflects the new methodology rather than the old single rating, and record how you checked it.

Does the reform change PI requirements for assessors?

The partial response commits to making sure schemes and assessors are equipped for the new methodology. It sets out no change to accreditation or PI. Scheme rules continue to set minimum cover.

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Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.