Helpthemove Landlord Energy Credit Scheme with OVO Energy

The Landlord Energy Credit Scheme, offered through Helpthemove in partnership with OVO Energy, is a valuable programme designed to help landlords manage energy costs during void periods - when a property is unoccupied between tenancies. This scheme provides financial relief and simplifies utility management for landlords, ensuring that properties are ready for new tenants without incurring unnecessary energy expenses.

Key Benefits:

Energy Credit for Void Properties: For every void property, landlords can receive up to £30 in energy credits. This is split into £15 per meter for electricity and gas. This credit can significantly reduce or even eliminate energy costs during periods when the property is not generating rental income.

Standing Charge Waiver: The scheme includes up to 30 days of standing charges waived. This means landlords can potentially have a £0.00 bill for the period of their responsibility, adding considerable value, estimated to be worth up to £55 per void property overall.

Comprehensive Billing Adjustments: The credits and adjustments are automatically applied to the landlord's final bill. These will be displayed on all types of bills - postal and consolidated statements making it easy for landlords to see the benefits directly. Even if the bill balance is zero after applying the credits, OVO will still issue a bill to confirm the charges and adjustments, in line with industry requirements.

Prepayment Meter Management: If refurbishments or cleaning are needed during the void period, landlords can request the energy credit to be applied upfront to a prepayment meter. This can be done through the Helpthemove dashboard using the Debt Clearance journey. The energy credit can also be combined with a debt clearance if necessary.

How the Scheme Works:

• Automatic Application: The credits are applied automatically when the landlord's final bill is produced, covering all meter types.
• Displayed on Statements: Adjustments are shown on the consolidated statements in a new "Adjustment" column, and split into "Usage Charge Adjustment" and "Standing Charge Adjustment" columns.
• Confirmation of Zero Balance: Even if the credits clear the bill entirely, a £0.00 bill will still be sent to the landlord, as required by industry standards.

Example of Value:

The potential value of the scheme can reach up to £55 per void property. This is calculated based on up to 30 days of standing charge clearance (capped at Ofgem’s unit prices as of January 2024), plus the £30 energy credit (£15 for electricity and £15 for gas).

If you need further details or have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!