Energy efficiency of housing

Main fuel used in central heating

The majority of houses in all North East MSA (Mayoral Strategic Authority, known as Combined Authority pre-May 2026) local authorities used gas as the main fuel for their central heating in 2025. Community heating schemes were more commonly used in Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland, while Northumberland was the only local authority with over 5% of houses using oil and other fuels. Flats and maisonettes were less likely to use gas as the main source of their heating.

Energy efficency rating

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), influencing potential energy costs and environmental impacts. Non-domestic EPCs are rated from A+ to G.
EPCs are legally required when selling or renting properties in the UK, providing essential information on energy performance to prospective buyers or tenants. Data is published on the number of dwellings that are placed in at least band C, meaning that the dwelling is in at least the top three energy efficiency bands.

The proportion of dwellings that had at least a C grade rating in 2025 varied from 50% in South Tyneside to 59% in South Tyneside Durham. 

Detached dwellings and flat and maisonettes were generally more likely to have a C grade rating.

For non-domestic premises, 78% of the EPCs issued in 2025 were C or higher.