Tips to Reduce Energy Costs for Charities

Charities often provide vital work while simultaneously needing to fit tight budgets under high demands. One pressure that doesn’t usually get enough attention is the need for energy. Rising utility bills, ageing buildings and limited financing can strain charities and hinder their ability to advance their causes. Below, we explore some of the main energy challenges that charities face and how they may navigate them. 

Challenges 

Increasing energy costs

Bills rising 

• Charities are not immune to the rising energy prices we have all been subject to in the UK. A 2022 study by PBE found that more than half of charities experienced bill increases of 50% or more. Some small charities have even had to cut services or reduce staff because of the rising cost of essentials like lighting or heating. 

Building costs 

• Most charities are also based in community buildings like town halls, many of which fail to meet basic energy standards. As a result, organisations and studies are calling on the government for funding, though this has not yielded results. 

Contract bill payments 

• Many charities overpay for energy due to expensive default contracts.

Other costs

As charities are concentrated on supporting a cause, their costs can often be focused on that area and losing money on basics like energy bills can create a moral dilemma. 

Potential solutions

Improve energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency with LED lights or better insulation could be an effective way for charities to rein in their energy costs over time. However, as many charity organisations do not own their premises, these alterations and implementations are difficult. 

Apply for grants 

Grant options for charities frequently change; a couple of current options are outlined below:

Building maintenance

• The Rose Foundation offers grants between £5000 and £10,000 to registered charities in London to help upgrade buildings.  

Energy costs 

• Energy efficiency sharematch fund aids community groups in securing funds for energy-efficient upgrades. 

Switch energy supplier 

Switching energy suppliers can seem intimidating – especially if your focus is necessary elsewhere – but once done, it can lead to significant savings.

Switch to renewable energy 

Switching to renewable energy methods can reduce both bills and a business’s carbon footprint, but it still comes with challenges. The Energy Saving Trust found that charity-led energy schemes can lack long-term revenue certainty. This means the charities might not recoup the initial investment in renewable energy sources. Therefore, it is paramount for them to seek professional advice. 

Whilst renewable energy sources like solar may pose this issue (and prove difficult for those renting community buildings), renewables like wind energy can be consumed remotely from wind farms. 

How D-Energi can help 

Sourcing and affording energy for charities is undeniably challenging. However, many charities can reduce that burden by focusing on energy efficiency, exploring renewables and actively managing supplier choices. 

If your charity is interested in how to switch business energy suppliers for charity businesses or you’re wondering which business energy suppliers may be the right fit, D-Energi is here to support you. We strive to provide businesses with the best electricity and gas prices, helping you use energy more wisely and sustainably. 

Our offers on wind-powered renewable energy can also present long-term savings that support the future of your organisation. You can feel good about your low bills and positive environmental impact, relying on 100% UK wind-farm energy.

If you’d like to discuss your energy options, get a free quote today, we’d be happy to help tackle this challenge!