Saving energy, saving money.

Devon & Cornwall Housing has a significant number of households on low income. We are also responsible for the energy supply to over 400 communal areas and offices. So as a company that strives to save money for its tenants, and continually reduce our carbon footprint it seemed only sensible to look for a new, single utility contract to get the best price, service and environmental credentials. But if that wasn’t enough, we also decided to streamline our payment methods and improve the way we monitor the energy consumption and carbon emissions at the same time!

There is a still a lot of work to be done, but so far we’ve managed to move 90% of our accounts into one business contract with Scottish and Southern until spring 2011 providing a £25,000 a year saving for residents in their service charges. And recently we launched a new software system which manages the direct debit payment, and centrally records meter readings and consumption.

Taking on new buildings, and being at the forefront of innovative and environmentally friendly new-builds mean our responsibilities and commitments are complex and ever-changing. But this is an exciting time for social housing and energy management especially as we are building and refurbishing a new generation of homes and offices with renewable heating systems.