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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.

Business energy suppliers might offer various sources for supply, but the two most commonly seen across all suppliers will be gas and electricity. These are the titans of energy supply, still used by basically every business in the country. But when comparing gas vs electric power, what are the primary differences and how do the two energy sources compare in today’s context?   This blog will offer a simple gas and electric comparison, touching on distinctions in cost, application, delivery and more.    Source, delivery & application Natural gas is a fossil fuel extracted from underground reservoirs, transported through underground pipe networks. It’s used primarily for heating, boiling water and cooking. Its underground supply system means it’s less related to outages.   Electricity is generated from fossil fuels, nuclear power and even renewable sources, transmitted via overhead power lines and underground cables. It can be used for powering basically everything in a business context, including electronic power, lighting, refrigeration and even heating/cooling, but is arguably more susceptible to weather-related complications.  Electric boiler vs gas boiler When it comes to applications, heating water is one of the most important things to keep in mind, with gas and electric boilers each having their own benefits and drawbacks. Looking at how boilers of the different formats compare actually acts as a good microcosm of the primary differences between the two energy sources in general.    Feature Electric Boilers Gas Boilers Efficiency More efficient Slightly lower cost Running costs Higher Lower Power capacity Can struggle with high demand More powerful generally Space usage Compact, space saving Generally larger Noise level Quiet Can be noisy   How gas and electric quotes differ Getting a business gas quote or electricity quote will differ significantly due to the cost per unit (pence per kWh) differences between the two sources.    Natural gas currently sits at an average of 6.33p per kWh Electricity is priced at around 25.73p per kWh    However, while electricity is priced significantly higher per unit, it’s also worth considering that its efficiency means that it’s not proportionally as expensive per day as it is per unit when compared to gas. It’s also worth remembering that most electricity in the UK is powered by fossil fuels (natural gas), so gas prices directly influence electricity prices.    These aspects, along with the nature of your business’s usage rates will define your energy quotes.    Gas vs electric in your business   Most businesses still require both business gas and electricity, but it can be hard to know exactly the degree at which both are required and for what if you’re not a seasoned veteran in handling energy. If this is the case, contact us today. We can guide you to ensure that you get the best energy quote for your requirements.    Visit our blog for more insights into the energy industry. 

These days, decarbonisation is on the tips of everyone’s tongues, with many businesses and homeowners increasing their emphasis on renewable energy sources. People are turning their heads to wind-powered electricity or installing solar panels on their own homes in an effort to be more carbon neutral. So why are we still so reliant on energy from gas?   This blog will give a gas energy comparison to other forms of energy, explaining why it’s still such a pillar of power today and touching on why prices are so high at the moment.    Gas efficiency and performance still reigns supreme Natural gas has a high energy density, making it super efficient for various applications. It can be used for heating spaces, water and industrial processes, with this heating easily controlled with instant precision. It’s still a crucial tool in manufacturing and processing plants. With that in mind, it’s also worth noting many businesses use natural gas for CHP systems, generating electricity and useful heat for even more efficiency.    Gas is still fairly cost-effective (even in the energy crisis) Why is electricity more expensive than gas? Because, despite being more environmentally-friendly, electricity is usually subject to more environmental taxes. Gas harnessing operational and maintenance costs are also generally lower, making prices from business gas suppliers or home energy companies more stable in general.    Why is my gas bill so high then?  Despite the cost effectiveness of gas, it’s still being impacted by the energy crisis. This is because of various reasons, such as geopolitical tensions with key suppliers like Russia, currency fluctuations and the increased demand from Asian nations. Cost effectiveness sadly isn’t the only factor that influences business gas prices, but awareness of how to manage energy bills is on the rise.    Gas has strong infrastructure the world over Energy from gas is readily available from many different locations across the world. There’s a strong pipeline in various global regions, ensuring, even in volatile times, the world can enjoy a consistent supply of natural gas. It’s the most reliable source for preventing power cuts or interruptions, along with being the top choice for backup generators.    It also benefits from being piped, rather than stored or generated on site, saving space and logistical effort for businesses.    Gas is run by supply and demand It’s vital to remember that even as a fossil fuel and finite resource, natural gas supplies remain significant across the world. In some areas of the world, oversupply has outpaced demand, contributing to even lower prices. Europe, North America and Asia have all increased demand for gas, meaning it’s going nowhere in the energy landscape any time soon.    It’s also largely considered a “transition fuel” – one that supports the wider adoption of more renewable energy sources as a backup.   Stay on top of the energy landscape If you’re interested in staying aware of how the energy landscape is shaping up in 2025, make sure to check out our blog. We offer blogs that range from small-scale energy guides to wider-spanning articles like these to keep readers in the know when it comes to all things business energy related.