Amey pilots energy‑saving technology to support Defence Housing reform

Amey has launched a pilot of Voltsmart energy reduction fuse board technology across military housing, supporting the UK Government’s wider Defence Housing Strategy and its ambition to modernise accommodation, improve living standards and deliver better long-term value across the estate.

Amey, in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), operates two Regional Accommodation Maintenance Services (RAMS) contracts, providing repair, maintenance, and property preparation services to approximately 18,000 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) homes in the Central and North regions.

The Voltsmart system uses advanced auto transformer technology to optimise the electrical supply entering homes. By adjusting incoming voltage to a more efficient operating level, Voltsmart helps eliminate avoidable energy waste caused by excess supply while helping to protect electrical assets from over-voltage-related stress and degradation.

The pilot aligns with the Government’s ten-year programme to deliver a ‘generational renewal’ of Armed Forces housing, focused on raising standards, modernising infrastructure and improving the experience of service families.

Incoming grid voltage often exceeds the level required by domestic appliances. Voltsmart optimises the supply reducing energy use within the home, and minimises stress on the electrical infrastructure system. By ensuring equipment operates within an optimal voltage range, it helps lower energy bills for service personnel and their families, extend asset lifespan, and improve overall reliability – all while operating passively with no change in behaviour required from occupants.

Tom Silvey, Amey Business Director for Defence, commented: “The Defence Housing Strategy is rightly focused on improving the quality and performance of homes for service families.

“Voltsmart is a good example of how relatively simple, proven technology can make a meaningful difference, reducing energy consumption, improving resilience and extending asset life, without disruption to residents.

“As we modernise the estate, solutions like this will be an important part of delivering long-term value and a better lived experience for those who serve.”

Phil Riley, DIO Director of Accommodation, said: “This is just one of many incremental changes being made to enhance the quality of housing for military families. Through the Defence Housing Strategy, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation is working in close partnership with our industry partners to deliver sustained, long-term change. Together, we are committed to ensuring Service families have access to safe, modern and well-maintained homes, with continuous improvements delivered alongside wider transformation.”

Jenny Skinner, Managing Director, Voltsmart commented:  “We are delighted to be working with Amey and DIO on this important pilot.  As the Defence estate continues its programme of modernisation, there is a growing need for technologies that can improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and enhance the performance of existing housing infrastructure.  Voltsmart offers a practical and scalable way to deliver these benefits with minimal disruption, helping to improve living standards for service families whilst supporting wider sustainability objectives.”