Following the successful trial of Switchee IoT devices at 10 Flagship properties in 2017, the housing provider is now extending the project to almost 500 properties across Norfolk and Suffolk, with the aim of reducing fuel poverty and rent arrears, preventing damp and mould, and improving boiler maintenance.
The first phase involved Flagship, Switchee, Gasway Services and a number of local companies working together to demonstrate that the technology could work and gauge the potential benefits of using IoT technology.
Matt Brazier, director of IT, Flagship Housing, said, “It’s exciting to be at the forefront of using technology in such a pioneering way. The pilot has already demonstrated that this technology can work so we anticipate the wider rollout will make a huge difference to us as a business, our tenants, as well as the housing sector as a whole.”
Flagship initial IoT project resulted in higher income from earlier rent payments, fewer missed payments following digital reminders, higher tenant satisfaction, more online repair requests and pre-emptive maintenance visits.
Ian Napier, commercial director, Switchee, said, “We’re thrilled that Flagship are rolling Switchee out on a much larger scale following the success of the initial pilot. Phase two of this project will result in a material reduction in fuel poverty across the 493 selected homes and help Flagship to better diagnose repair issues in their housing stock, continuing the shift from reactive to pre-emptive maintenance.”
