NEARLY two-thirds of Maldon homes have energy efficiency ratings of Band D or lower, figures reveal, amid an energy crisis which is likely to see millions of people struggle to heat their homes.

The Government is being urged to make energy efficiency a national priority, energy regulator Ofgem has announced the cap on energy prices will increase by nearly £700 from April.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) show how effective a home is at keeping heat in – with ratings from A to G, meaning residents have to spend more on energy bills to keep their homes warm.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 65 per cent of homes in Maldon had an EPC rating of Band D or below in 2020-21.

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This was higher than the average across England, of 58 per cent.

Ofgem announced the energy price cap will rise to a record £1,971 for a typical household.

This 54% increase will affect around 22 million households across Great Britain from the beginning of April, adding £693 to typical annual bills.

In response, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £200 rebate on energy bills, which will have to be paid back, and a £150 reduction in council tax for millions in England.

The figures also show the median annual energy cost in Maldon was an estimated £864 in 2020-21 – well above the England average of £731.

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Separate figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show an estimated 3,381 households in Maldon experienced fuel poverty in 2019 – the latest statistics available.

A household is considered to be fuel poor if they live in a property with low energy efficiency and would be pushed below the poverty line by housing costs and the energy bills needed to have a warm, well-lit home.

Mr Sunak said the Government's support will help around 28 million households with their rising energy costs over the next year.

He added: "We stood behind British people and businesses throughout the pandemic and it’s right we continue to do that as our economy recovers in the months ahead.