HaloSmartIoT

Smart solution

Fuel poverty solution

November 24, 2023

Fuel poverty is a significant issue during the winter season when residents face the challenge of allocating a large portion of their income to heating their homes. This not only affects their ability to afford other essential items but also has a detrimental impact on their health and wellbeing.

The recent study conducted in the borough, revealed that over 20% of households are classified as fuel poor. This borough has a high proportion of low-income households, and many of the homes in the borough are poorly insulated. The rising cost of energy is also making it more difficult for people to afford to heat their homes. In the past year, energy prices have increased by around 50%. This means that residents are more likely to struggle to afford to heat their homes, and they are also more likely to live in cold, damp homes.

Housing associations and council housing are tasked with aiding households at risk, yet face the significant challenge of identifying such households among the hundreds of properties under their management. The conventional method of individually inspecting each property proves not only cost-ineffective but also excessively time-consuming, causing disruption for residents.

A more efficient solution lies in the implementation of continuous monitoring. By deploying Internet of Things (IoT) devices that measure various environmental factors, data can be seamlessly collected and centralised for analysis. This enables the identification of patterns and automatic detection of abnormalities or unusual trends. Through this proactive approach, the housing association and council housing can promptly respond to individual households deemed at risk, ensuring a more targeted and timely intervention. This not only streamlines the identification process but also enhances the overall effectiveness of support initiatives while minimising inconvenience to residents.

Addressing fuel poverty in the winter season is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The use of Halo smart IoT sensors, offers a promising solution to promote energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty. By providing real-time monitoring and feedback on energy usage, these sensors can empower households to make informed decisions regarding their energy consumption.