Housing organisation and energy company team up to help tenants save on bills

Wolverhampton Homes has partnered with Energy Angels to manage the gas and electricity supply for its homes prior to letting.

The move promises to further improve the turnaround of homes – and aims to save new tenants money on their energy bills.

The organisation, responsible for the management of around 22,000 council homes, signed the deal with city-based Energy Angels on May 4.

Under the contract,the company arranges supply of gas and electric free of charge when a property becomes empty, while Wolverhampton Homes completes routine maintenance to bring the property up to a let-able standard so that it can be re-let.

Once a property is ready to let, Energy Angels will ensure the new tenant has immediate access to gas and electric from the day they move in.

Ian Gardner, Wolverhampton Homes’ Assistant Director for Property Services, said: "With the extremely high demand for social housing in Wolverhampton, we recognise the importance of quick turnarounds on council homes.

"Our arrangement with Energy Angels represents a smoother process for reletting homes, through which Energy Angels take on some of the tasks previously undertaken by Wolverhampton Homes. The new process cuts down on unnecessary delays, meaning homes can be let quickly and with little disruption."

Energy Angels will contact new tenants direct at the start of their tenancy with information about their supply and to encourage them to take advantage of the best deals.

Lewis Taylor, Energy Angels CEO, said: "We’re thrilled to partner with Wolverhampton Homes, adding to the 500,000 UK homes under our management for energy supplies. We expect to make Wolverhampton Homes substantial savings each year through reduced energy costs and time savings.

"As well as supporting Wolverhampton Homes’ voids and lettings teams, we’re here to help residents too. The cost of energy is a key outgoing for any household; by engaging residents, supported by our switching site, we aim to make sure everyone receives affordable gas and electric.

"An estimated 11 million UK households are still on a standard variable energy tariff, and we aim to ensure that residents are aware of the options available to suit their budget and requirements.

"Our switching site offers an open and transparent market comparison, so that customers can know exactly how they stand to benefit by switching to the cheapest possible tariff."