Housebuilders have questioned whether the UK’s energy grid is up to supplying more electricity-reliant buildings, which are set to appear after a regulatory change in 2025.
A ban on gas boilers and requirements to fit electric vehicle chargers as standard in new-builds will come into force in 2025 under the Future Homes Standard.
Though the move will aim to decrease emissions per new household by up to 80%, the Home Builders Federation flagged its concern over the shift in reliance from gas to electricity.
“The requirement to move to electric heating and install car chargers will increase demand from new build homes,” the industry body’s executive director, Steve Turner, explained.
“We need to ensure that the capacity is available in local networks such that we can meet the requirements and maintain housing supply.”
His comments follow calls from the industry for the government to clarify on new rules, with the tougher regulation set to increase building costs by £6,000 per house come 2025.
Given rule changes last month are said to have increased costs already by £4,000 per building, according to UBS, accusations have flown toward the government over its supposed “anti-building stance”.
A spokesperson reassured the government was already working alongside Ofgem and companies to ensure new buildings would indeed be connected to the national grid though.
“We’re investing billions to improve energy efficiency across the country,” the spokesperson added, “[changes] will lower emissions, deliver homes fit for the future and help reduce energy bills”.