In a cellular communication system, a coverage area configuration transition is performed where a compensation service area is expanded to cover at least a portion of an energy saving service area of an energy saving cell employing the same frequency channel as the compensation service area. An energy saving communication station providing the energy saving cell is configured to deactivate the energy saving service area. Handovers to the compensation service area are prepared for the UE devices in the energy saving service area. The energy saving communication station sends a expansion notification to a compensation communication station where the notification at teas!indicates that the compensation service area can be expanded. The energy saving communication station transmits handover commands to the UE devices prior to expansion of the compensation service area and reduction of the energy saving service area.