Breaking news: EPC data retrieval is returning soon.
In November 2021, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) suspended our ability to retrieve RdSAP data from accreditation schemes. This caused disruption across the social housing sector making it difficult for our customers to assess the energy efficiency of their homes.
The primary contention raised by DLUHC revolved around Regulation 29 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012 which, according to their interpretation, prohibited any party from sharing data, regardless of whether it is sourced directly from the central register. We disagreed with this interpretation and so, in February 2023, we sought the expertise of a public law KC to provide legal advice on the situation.
Later that year we took the steps to apply to the High Court in London for a Judicial Review of DLUHC’s decision. After much correspondence, and with the Energy Act 2023 receiving Royal Assent, DLUHC confirmed they would now be able to make the necessary changes to Regulation 29 of the 2012 Regulations.
Today, we have had confirmation that a new statutory instrument was laid before parliament on 15th May and these changes to the regulation will come into force as law on 24th June 2024. Elmhurst Energy are currently awaiting for the amended scheme operation requirements from DLUHC and will inform us when our web service can be switched back on.
As an organisation we are delighted to share this news with our customers and are pleased that DLUHC have taken action to reverse the suspension of service. We will communicate again with our customers over the coming weeks with any further details regarding the exact timing of when retrieval will be possible. Hopefully this will be as close to 24th June as possible. In the meantime, we are satisfied with the result and hope our customers are too.