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In hospitality, every penny counts and with rising gas and electricity prices a lot of the budget can be lost on energy bills, meaning energy management has become essential for the success of a hotel. With the right approach there are ways to negate some of these costs, improve hotel sustainability credentials and be prepared or protected from any further energy price hikes. This blog highlights some of these energy saving methods and ways to avoid overpaying at this time when prices are already so high – from basic habits to finding the best business energy suppliers.    Prioritising energy monitoring  When beginning the energy monitoring process, you should always start by ‘benchmarking’. This means comparing your hotel energy usage to other similar-sized hotels to see if you’re using more energy than is average.    Smart meters can record where energy is being used effectively and where it is being overused. For example, you may be losing money by heating unused rooms in non-peak times of year. Half-hourly electricity meters are often seen as the best for businesses as they submit accurate readings every half hour. If you regularly review the data then you can change your energy consumption habits to maximise energy efficiency of your hotel, leading to significant savings.    The appeal of sustainability  Energy-efficiency isn’t only about cutting costs, it’s also about customer satisfaction and expectations. In the UK more and more travellers are looking for sustainable practices implemented across different operations and companies (including hotels). Simple changes like motion sensor lights in hallways, reduction of plastic in hotel toiletries and the promotion of renewable energy all contribute to a hotel’s eco-friendly image.    Increasingly renewable energy can be accessed from a grid network and cost very similarly to standard electricity packages. If you go for one of these options, highlighting your green-energy efforts can appeal to new customers and potentially investors or corporate clients focused on sustainability.    Finding the right energy provider  The main way you can reduce your energy bills is by sourcing the right energy provider or supplier. This prevents you from remaining fixed into inefficient contracts and allows you to branch out to different forms of energy where you may want to. You can also form new energy contracts or tariffs that prevent you from facing any additional price hikes.    Partnering with D-ENERGi At D-ENERGi we work closely with hospitality clients across the country and are dedicated to fitting different operational needs and desires.    Our plans range from business gas and electric to 100% UK wind-powered green energy, if that’s what suits your hotel. With 23 years of experience in sourcing and providing energy for businesses, we have the expertise to help you navigate what option is most functional for you and save on your energy bills. We provide the personal, reliable service that big energy suppliers can’t match.    Our price-matching ensures that you get highly competitive pricing which is reflected in our excellent 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot. Many of our customers have stayed with you for over a decade.    So, why not make the transition before energy bills get to their most expensive over winter. Take control of your energy costs and contact D-ENERGi today for a free, no-obligation quote and to find out just how much you could save. 

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! 

With rising electricity costs and increasing focus on sustainability, engineering firms must manage energy intelligently. The industry is crucial to society’s advancement, making efficient energy technologies essential. This blog will explore some beneficial energy techniques and how professional help can secure engineering businesses with low-cost energy.   Energy and the engineering sector The engineering industry encompasses many fields, ranging from aerospace engineering that focuses on the planning and manufacturing of aircraft or space technologies, to civil engineering which is about the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Therefore,  energy levels and sources vary depending on the specific position. Here are a few sectors, and a closer look at their energy consumption or distribution:   Biomedical Biomedical engineers create medical technologies, requiring significant energy for testing and construction. Many prioritise renewable energy as it lowers costs over time in this high-demand industry.   Civil Many civil engineers are trained in energy or environmental engineering, which means they prioritise energy efficiency when constructing new infrastructure. This includes implementing:  Better insulation Installation of renewable energy sources Smart grids that monitor energy usage to prevent overcharging and save energy   Electrical Electrical engineers design and maintain electrical systems, so they must prioritise energy efficiency. While the industry is shifting towards renewable resources for long-term sustainability, continuous improvements are also being made to non-renewable sources to maximise efficiency where renewables aren’t viable.   Why do renewable sources save energy? Renewable energy, despite the high initial costs, offers unlimited and efficient power, leading to long-term savings.   Types of renewable energy  Wind power, in particular, is well-suited for industrial operations that need to respond to consistent demand. Wind produces clean energy at scale and can be sourced remotely from wind farms. Relying on wind has secure longevity, as it is not dependent on volatile fossil fuel markets. This consistency will save your company money and hassle in the long run.    Solar energy tends to be more popular in smaller industrial operations. For example, food manufacturing engineering requires electricity for cooling and packaging food and drink products.    Hydropower or hydroelectric energy are water generated powers. These are used mostly in computer engineering or electrical engineering fields as it is a constant source year-round and is potentially more consistent than solar or wind power.    How to access this energy In order to prioritise, implement or consume these energy sources, engineering businesses will work with a trusted energy supplier that can provide them with the best deals and support their advancements.    Ways to reduce energy costs in manufacturing and engineering  Like with any business, engineers can benefit from some key basic tips:  Half-hourly electricity tariffs provide accurate cost tracking (and mean you won’t be overcharged due to inaccurate estimations). A professional evaluation will establish suitable options.  Switching to renewable energy source will save you money in the long-run.  Securing a reliable business electricity suppliers for fitting tariffs and protection from price hikes.   Go with D-ENERGii  At D-ENERGi, we work closely with engineering and industrial firms to help reduce energy usage, optimise ideal contracts and/or help companies transition to cleaner and greener power.    We can provide 100% UK wind-farm energy so that you can reap the benefits of a lasting and renewable source. For those contemplating the best energy source, we can also offer expert advice and consider what’s best for your business.    Get a free energy quote today for your business and invest in the future of your industry. 

Summer is on its way out, meaning businesses all over the country are going to be confronted with autumn energy concerns. Even if autumn weather is getting milder, business energy demands will change with the seasons, whatever industry you work in. Proactive management techniques are important for all business owners and operators to consider.    This blog will offer some insights into energy management solutions for the autumn, so you can ensure your energy bills remain predictable throughout the seasons.    Preparing the HVAC for winter Autumn gets a little bit chillier, but it’s nothing compared to the drop that you’re bound to feel during winter. That’s why it’s important to use autumn as a time to prepare your HVAC for the next season. Book in a professional servicing session, as this will ensure your system runs smoother throughout autumn, all the way through winter as well, saving you money.    Make sure to book your servicing in, especially if it’s been a year since your last investigation Replace or clean your filters at the start of the season, if not monthly Bleed your radiators, as they’ve likely been inactive throughout the summer Check and adjust your thermostat programming, ensuring that it’s prepared intelligently to suit the change in temperature    At this point in time, there’s no need to instinctively run your HVAC system too hard. Encourage staff to maybe get a jacket on, whatever industry you work in.    Lighting-based energy management systems One of the most significant changes to your autumn energy requirements is that you’re going to be experiencing shorter days in terms of sunlight. Businesses, especially those with irregular hours, will feel the impacts of reduced daylight hours, meaning it’s important to maximise natural light in the daytime to prevent unnecessary energy expenditure.    Make sure to keep windows clean and minimise any obstructions so no natural light is blocked Reprogram any smart light technology to prevent any unnecessary daytime operation   Keep an eye on the light during autumn, as this will generally change more significantly and rapidly than the temperature.    Start preparing your building envelope Your management of business energy will often be defined by the quality and preparation of your building envelope. An insulated workplace is a happy workplace, and autumn is the perfect time to notice any issues before they get out of hand.    Use the season as a change to notice where light draughts and heat leaks show up, making sure to seal them off at first sign Start introducing the practice of keeping windows and external doors closed during the day in preparation for winter If you’re in a position to do so, consider using autumn to install better glazing or more permanent insulation features   Autumn is a transitionary phase Really, your autumn energy requirements might not be as different to summer as you might think. However, it’s a great time to get ready for winter, as it will illuminate any weak spots in your workplace, ensuring you can take a more targeted approach to preparation and repair.    For more insights into energy management, visit our blog today. 

Care and residential home energy costs can be quite high, but maintaining a hospitable environment for residents doesn’t have to break the bank. By exploring strategic changes and leveraging innovative solutions, you can significantly reduce energy expenses and enhance comfort. This article will offer some actionable tips on saving energy in care and residential homes, without putting your residents at risk.   Conduct a comprehensive energy audit Start by performing a thorough energy audit to pinpoint waste and identify improvement areas. Regular monitoring should become a standard practice, allowing you to track trends and see improvements in real-time.   Evaluate energy tariffs for cost savings Don’t overlook the potential savings from reviewing your energy plans. Consider switching to more cost-effective tariffs or fixed-rate contracts for budget certainty. Negotiating directly with suppliers can yield substantial savings and better rates.   Optimise heating & hot water efficiency Keeping your residents comfortable while managing energy costs is essential. Implement these strategies: Regular Maintenance: Service boilers and heating systems to ensure optimal performance. Upgrade Fixtures: Invest in energy-efficient fittings for long-term savings. Smart Controls: Use technology for precise temperature management and occupancy efficiency. Temperature Regulation: Lower water temperatures to acceptable levels and fix leaks immediately. Insulation Improvements: Enhance insulation with thicker curtains, double-glazing, and airtight seals to reduce heat loss.   Energy efficiency tips for care and residential homes Switching to energy-efficient lighting is crucial. Consider these changes: LED Lighting: Transition to LED bulbs to cut down on energy use. Maximise Natural Light: Utilize windows effectively to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Smart Sensors: Install motion sensors and timers for automated lighting control.   Invest in energy-efficient appliances Selecting the right appliances can drastically affect energy consumption. Opt for high-efficiency models for: Refrigerators Freezers Washing Machines Dryers Kettles Ensure these appliances are turned off completely to avoid wasted standby energy.   Embrace renewable energy solutions Integrating renewable energy is a game-changer for care homes. Consider: Solar Panels: Generate your own electricity, reducing reliance on purchased energy. Solar Water Heating: Use sunlight to heat water, further decreasing energy bills. 100% Green Energy Tariff sourced from UK wind farms and other fully renewable sources such as hydro and solar.   Engage staff and residents in energy efficiency Educating staff about energy-saving practices and informing residents can enhance your initiatives’ effectiveness. Make energy efficiency a shared goal, ensuring everyone understands their role in fostering a sustainable environment.   Conclusion Implementing these strategies can lead to significant savings on energy bills for care homes. Remember, sustainable change takes time, but with consistent efforts, you will see impressive results. Start today and transform your energy management for a brighter, more efficient future! Find out about our best electricity and gas prices for care homes. Visit our blog for more insights into the energy industry. 

  Hospitality businesses are notoriously difficult to keep open. Owners need to stay ahead of operational costs, including those related to maintaining temperatures and business energy management.    This blog will offer insights into how to reduce business energy costs in hospitality settings, such as restaurants, cafes, bars or hotels, all while maintaining comfortable room temperatures for guests and staff alike.   The importance of proper temperatures in hospitality settings   Annual energy plans for restaurants and other businesses of the sort can be defined largely by the temperature requirements of the settings. This isn’t just about the comfort of guests and staff, there are also often regulatory and safety requirements that need to be adhered to.    Comfort-based temperature requirements   Hotel rooms should be kept around 18-21°C, with the options for the guest to adjust the temperature within a certain range Restaurants, cafes, bars and dining areas should be kept at a comfortable range between 21-22°C Kitchens should be kept cooler, around 15-18°C, especially considering all the heat of cooking processes Care homes should be kept slightly warmer, around 20-24°C, important for keeping elderly or vulnerable residents comfortable and healthy   Food safety temperatures   Food safety regulations require more specific temperature controls, to guarantee everything is stored safely, keeping fines or penalties at bay.    Fridge temperatures need to be kept at 5°C or lower  Freezer temperature must be -18°C or lower Cooking temperatures should be 70°C or higher for most foods  Hot holding has to be 63°C or higher  Food should be cooled from 60°C to 20°C within 2 hours – then from 20°C to 5°C within another 4 hours.  Temperatures are an essential thing to keep in mind in hospitality, with safety and comfort trumping efforts to lower the monthly energy bill for a restaurant or bar. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make differences with clever business energy management techniques.    Temperature & energy management in hospitality   When it comes to managing your energy consumption levels in hospitality settings, temperature control can be a hard thing to overcome. There are few primary focuses that you need to consider, such as HVAC systems, envelope building and smart features.    HVAC maintenance   HVAC systems will be in constant action, so make sure to maintain them and book in regular servicing to ensure that they’re efficient and not expending unnecessary energy. At the same time, aim for comfort, but at reasonable levels.   Envelope building   Improve wall, roof and floor insulation across the entire building, draught proofing spaces across the various rooms to minimise leaking and keep each area its proper temperature, further ensuring HVAC systems aren’t overworked.    Smart energy management features   Using smart features can be a great way to sidestep oversight, which can be common with teams under the pressure of serving guests. Some installations can include:    Occupancy-scheduled thermostats and sensors to ensure the right spaces have the right temperatures, maximising efficiency Key card switches for hotel rooms that automatically turn off lights and HVAC systems when guests leave General zone controls for HVAC systems   Keep track of progress!   And remember, the key to any good energy management strategy is to measure your energy performance from start to finish, allowing you to base your next steps on data.  For more insights into energy management and other related topics, visit our blog today.