Has the government made any concrete decisions on the Energy Performance Certificate ratings by any specific set dates or are they still in consultation?
It was noted that the consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards was ongoing at the time of the meeting, with a deadline of 29th August 2025. It was noted that while no decisions had been made, it may be useful for landlords to consider seeking advice on home energy improvements to plan ahead and confirm what their options would be in advance of any minimum energy efficiency standard being implemented.
What is ALIEnergy's role?
ALIEnergy is an affordable warmth service which is there to help people who are struggling to pay for their energy bills. ALIEnergy receives referrals from a wide range of organisations.
ALIEnergy has access to a range of crisis intervention grants which they can help people apply for and can provide home energy advice on a wide range of topics. They can provide advice to improve resilience against fuel poverty and provide referrals to other organisations such as Home Energy Scotland to ensure that clients receive all the support which they are eligible for.
More information about ALIEnergy can be found on their website.
Can you advise if Eco4 Flex has restrictions on portfolio size?
There are no known restrictions on landlord portfolio size for the Eco4 Flex Scheme.
If grant is made for tenant qualified work on a property and the tenant leaves while work is being carried out, does the landlord have to pay for the works?
It was noted that while individual situations vary, grants are generally agreed based on the circumstances of the individuals living in the house at the time of the grant, and as such there would not normally be an expectation for the landlord to pay for this if those circumstances were to unexpectedly change after the grant had been agreed.
I have been approached by companies offering energy improvement measures such as double glazing with grants. Are these companies legitimate, and do they offer grants in line with the work being carried out by the Council and Home Energy Scotland?
Attendees were encouraged to be cautious when approached by marketing vendors promising grants and loans for home energy efficiency measures, particularly around double glazing. It was noted that, at the time of the Forum, there were no Government-backed schemes for replacement windows and as such anyone receiving marketing around replacement double glazing should be cautious. Landlords were encouraged to approach the Council or Home Energy Scotland to discuss and verify eligibility for loan and grant opportunities.
Should we seek help from Home Energy Scotland or the Council before or after renewing our Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
It was noted that some of the schemes which Home Energy Scotland and the Council signpost to involve receiving an updated post-install EPC at the conclusion of this process. As such, if a landlord is considering having energy improvement works carried out, it would often be useful to have an initial discussion with Home Energy Scotland or the Council prior to renewing the EPC to confirm this, while remaining mindful that landlords are required to have a valid EPC when leasing their properties.
Should we go to Argyll and Bute Council as the one stop shop for initial advice and referrals or Home Energy Scotland?
Landlords were encouraged to contact either Home Energy Scotland or the Council’s Home Energy Efficiency Support team, as they work closely together and are able to refer individuals to each other where required.
