The Power of Efficient Void Energy Management in Social Housing

When a social housing property becomes vacant, there’s a lot to manage—cleaning, repairs, inspections. But one aspect that often flies under the radar is void energy management. If not handled properly, energy in empty homes can lead to unnecessary costs, delays in re-letting, and even compliance issues. That’s where smart, efficient void property energy management solutions come into play, ensuring that everything runs smoothly between tenancies.

Why Void Energy Management Matters

For housing associations and local authorities, managing void properties isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about reducing costs, improving turnaround times, and ensuring a smooth experience for new tenants. Every day a property sits empty without proper energy management results in wasted money and unnecessary administrative burdens.

A well-managed void energy service helps eliminate standing charges and unexpected bills from unmonitored usage, while also simplifying meter management by removing the hassle of disconnected services and complex supplier processes. It speeds up the re-letting process, ensuring homes are ready for new tenants without delays caused by energy supply issues. Beyond cost savings and efficiency, effective void energy management also supports sustainability by reducing waste and aligning energy use with environmental targets.

A recent report by the National Housing Federation highlights the impact of sustainability in social housing, with energy efficiency playing a crucial role in cutting costs and reducing carbon footprints. Read more here.

The Common Challenges (and How to Solve Them)

Housing providers face some consistent pain points when it comes to void energy solutions:

1. Complicated Supplier Processes

Managing energy accounts in vacant properties often means dealing with multiple suppliers, long hold times, and confusing contract terms. The solution? A dedicated void energy management service that centralises supplier interactions and streamlines everything from meter readings to digital debt clearance.

2. Debt from Previous Tenants

Unpaid bills from former occupants can stall energy reconnections, delaying property readiness. Smart void property energy management ensures that these debts are cleared or avoided, preventing administrative slowdowns.

3. Inefficient Meter Handling

A locked, inaccessible, or outdated meter can cause unnecessary delays. With efficient void property energy management, meters can be accessed, updated, or switched to smart meter solutions that allow remote monitoring and seamless activation.

According to Ofgem, the adoption of smart meters is a key step in reducing energy waste and improving efficiency in housing.

The Role of Smart Technology

Advancements in smart meter technology have transformed void energy management, making the process more efficient and seamless. Automated solutions now enable remote activation and deactivation of energy supplies, eliminating the need for manual interventions or engineer visits. Real-time monitoring provides housing providers with greater visibility over energy usage, helping to prevent waste and reduce unnecessary costs. Additionally, seamless switchovers ensure that energy is readily available when needed, preventing delays and allowing properties to be re-let more quickly.

Ofgem highlights that adopting smart meters is a crucial step towards cutting energy waste and making homes more efficient. By providing real-time insights into energy usage, smart meters help housing providers manage consumption more effectively and reduce unnecessary costs. Read more here.

Unlocking Cost Savings with Our New Void Energy Savings Calculator

Managing void properties can be both costly and time-consuming, but at Helpthemove, we’ve made it simpler with our new Void Energy Management Savings Calculator. This tool helps social landlords and housing associations understand exactly how much they could save by using our services. 

All you need to do is enter the number of void properties your organisation manages each year, and the calculator will break down your potential savings in key areas. It highlights the benefits of automated notifications and reporting, reducing manual admin, faster power restoration to minimise rental income loss, eliminating the hassle of debt management, and clearing standing charges to avoid hidden costs. With just one number, you’ll get a clear picture of the financial and operational savings your organisation could make. Try it today and see how Helpthemove can make void energy management easier and more cost-effective.

Why Choose a Specialist Void Energy Service?

Managing void energy in social housing comes with unique challenges. Partnering with a specialist provider ensures a smoother, more efficient process, helping housing providers avoid unnecessary delays and costs. With expert support, properties can be re-let faster, without setbacks caused by disconnected meters or supplier complications. Costs are kept under control by eliminating surprise bills and standing charges, while administrative burdens are reduced as specialists handle supplier coordination and meter management. 

Beyond operational efficiency, a well-managed void energy service also supports sustainability goals by reducing waste and optimising energy use. By choosing a provider that understands the complexities of void energy management, housing providers can focus on what really matters—getting homes ready for new tenants quickly and cost-effectively.

Making Void Energy Management Work for You

A proactive approach to void energy services for social landlords can make a huge difference in operational efficiency and cost savings. The key is finding the right partner—one that simplifies the process, offers smart technology solutions, and understands the unique challenges of social housing.

At Helpthemove, we specialise in making void energy management as effortless as possible, helping social housing providers reduce costs, streamline processes, and get homes ready for new tenants faster.

Interested in learning more? Try our Savings Calculator today and discover how much you could save with Helpthemove.