End-to-end fuel poverty support

An industry-first, the Energy Voucher Service, powered by Switchee, uses real-time data to detect households in fuel poverty, sending residents a link to an energy voucher on their Switchee device within 48 hours.

Our Energy Voucher Service enables faster, more targeted, prioritised assistance and ensures available funds are deployed efficiently to the homes most at risk of fuel poverty.

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Tackling fuel poverty together

Fuel poverty poses a significant challenge that requires sector-wide focus: our Housing Fuel Poverty Index (HFPI) data shows in winter 23/24, 1 in 14 social homes (average of 7.4%) were in fuel poverty. It's more than just a statistic; it can be debilitating for vulnerable households, causing a whole host of health and wellbeing issues, as well as exacerbating problems such as damp and mould.

Switchee understands the importance of addressing this issue, standing alongside housing associations in a shared commitment to finding practical solutions. Through initiatives like the HFPI, energy advice campaigns, the fuel poverty risk metric, and now the Energy Voucher Service, we're here to support housing associations in making a positive impact.

How the Energy Voucher Service works

The Energy Voucher Service powered by Switchee offers an industry-first approach to alleviating fuel poverty and preventing mould caused by cold homes. This end-to-end service uses real-time Switchee data to identify households living in fuel poverty ahead of outreach to the most at-risk homes. A £49 energy voucher is then delivered directly to the resident via their Switchee device, and our in-house customer support team is on hand to help residents throughout this process.

Redemption of energy vouchers is measured, and the impact on fuel poverty and mould risk metrics is assessed and reported.

The service addresses underheating by identifying residents whose homes have not reached 16 degrees in the last 30 occupied days. It also provides a systemic solution for mould caused by inadequate heating.

Energy Voucher Service powered by Switchee

Fuel poverty and underheating relief

The service's end-to-end function significantly reduces administrative burdens for housing providers and cuts through the barriers presented by calls, forms and in-person visits.

Effective resident communication

Switchee's messaging capabilities ensure effective communication with residents, bypassing the limitations of traditional communication methods. Vouchers are delivered directly to residents' devices, ensuring discreet and respectful support for those who need it most.

Leveraging data for targeted support

Including the ‘silent voices’, defined as those who are afraid to voice their concerns in case this impairs relationships with landlords. Switchee aims to reach out directly to these residents to ensure they feel comfortable receiving fuel poverty vouchers to help properly heat their homes.

Detailed reporting

Switchee provides an end-of-campaign report detailing the impact on fuel poverty and mould conditions, both overall and within individual homes. This report supports Social Value and ESG reporting, offering clear evidence of the impact relative to the funds invested.