How real-time data and insights can drive action for fuel poverty

In September 2021 there were 4 million households in England classified as being in fuel poverty. In October 2022, the cost of heating our homes doubled and, as a consequence, that number is now estimated to be 10.7 million. Tom Robins, CEO of social housing data and insights company, Switchee, looks at how real-time data and expert insights can help vulnerable households.

According to Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action (NEA) who spoke at the recent Switchee Summit on the future of European social housing, this energy crisis has resulted in two clear things. The first is breadth of fuel poverty, with millions more people falling into it and the second is depth of fuel poverty, where those who were already classified as struggling are now critically vulnerable.

This dramatic increase in vulnerable people is alarming and affects the social housing sector considerably. These are residents who may not be used to coming forward to ask for support, so what can social housing landlords do to identify those at risk of fuel poverty?

fuel poverty and Heat Loss Rate at an individual property and housing stock level. Specifically, if, whilst occupied in the past 3 months, the temperature readings for that household have been below 18°C for 50% or more time, the residents will be assigned a high fuel poverty risk level.

Being able to identify issues at such a granular level means action can be taken by landlords. One situation experienced by Dudley Metropolitan Council involved a resident only heating his home to 15°C. On being contacted by the council, it came to light that he was struggling to afford his bills and his health conditions were being exacerbated by the cold. The council organised for him to switch energy supplier, saving £300 a year and another £140 by applying for Warm Home Discount. With energy saving tips and encouragement from the council to use his heating, he reported feeling much healthier and happier.

heated their homes for an hour a day less than they previously had and turned their thermostats down by an average of 2.33˚C. In addition, there was an overall average increase of 5.33% of homes not being heated to the recommended temperature of 18˚C. This presents a worrying concern for residents as it means many homes are now colder for longer. This change in behaviour not only puts their homes at higher risk of developing issues like condensation, damp and mould but it also puts their health and wellbeing at greater risk.

“Switchee data showed that residents heated their homes for an hour a day less than they previously had...This presents a worrying concern for residents as it means many homes are now colder for longer.”

Thanks to IoT technology, landlords now have the tools to help identify issues and those most in need. Through a single device, such as a Switchee, data points such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, light and motion can be collected to help landlords build a real-time picture of how a property is performing and how residents are interacting with that building.

Via an advanced analytics dashboard, landlords receive a range of welfare and maintenance indicators.

Segmented by high, medium and low, an abundance of actionable insights identifies risk factors such as condensation, under heating, damp and mould,

Another example was a home not heated for a period, except on Christmas day. The social housing provider found that the elderly resident had put her heating on only on that day because her grandchildren were visiting. Assistance was provided so the resident received benefits she was entitled to. Data proves invaluable for identifying issues in instances like this where residents may not want to speak up. Often it can be the quietest people who are the most in need.

Specifically, since the cost-of-living crisis hit, our data demonstrates a marked change in resident behaviour and with it a greater risk of fuel poverty. Over the course of a year Switchee data showed that residents

When a home has been flagged as being at risk of fuel poverty, the data can be analysed on a caseby-case basis. Armed with this data, social housing providers can proactively communicate with residents to see how they can be supported. Communication can be conducted via the usual channels or via the Switchee Smart Thermostat which provides an average response rate of over 90%, most of which is within the first 24 hours.

Unfortunately, the cost of heating our homes will continue to remain high for some time yet, putting more financial pressure on residents. Social housing providers alone cannot fix this problem but armed with data and insights they can make better decisions to prioritise and proactively support the residents most in need.