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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. 

In summer, businesses often face rising energy bills due to increased temperatures. However, this season also offers unique opportunities to save on energy costs. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to reduce your business energy expenses this summer. From optimising cooling systems to utilising renewable energy sources, these measures can help you save significantly without sacrificing comfort or productivity. Read on to learn how to keep your business cool while lowering your energy costs.   Improve Your Energy Efficiency With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to assess your business’s energy efficiency before autumn and winter. Implementing energy-saving upgrades can help future-proof your operations and reduce costs. Simple actions like sealing windows and doors to prevent heat loss, or installing solar panels for sustainable energy, can significantly cut your energy bills this summer.   Take Control of the Thermostat Your HVAC system can be a major energy expense during the summer months. To manage energy consumption effectively, take control of your thermostat settings. Educate your team on proper thermostat usage or set it to a consistent, comfortable temperature that automatically adjusts at the start and end of the workday. This will help mitigate sudden spikes in your business energy bills.   Turn Off the Lights! Even if your office uses LED lighting, which is more cost-effective than traditional bulbs, summer days in the UK often provide ample natural light. Turn off unnecessary lights on bright days to save significantly on your annual energy costs. This simple adjustment can lead to substantial savings.   Encourage Desk Fans for Individual Comfort If your HVAC system is proving too costly, consider providing desk fans for employees who prefer a cooler workspace. These small fans can keep individuals comfortable while reducing reliance on air conditioning, ultimately saving on cooling expenses.   Unplug Unused Technology With many employees working from home or on holiday during the summer, encourage your team to unplug and switch off technology that isn’t in use. Leaving devices on standby is neither economical nor efficient. By turning off unused equipment, you can notice a considerable reduction in your business energy bills.   If you’re ready to find a more competitive business energy supplier to help reduce your energy costs, visit our Get a Quote page for a free, no-obligation quote. By implementing these strategies, you can keep your business cool and your energy expenses manageable this summer!

As a business owner, it’s crucial to future-proof your business against unexpected events and rising wholesale energy costs. Taking proactive measures can mitigate financial risks associated with increasing business energy bills. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for business energy customers to prepare for fluctuations in energy costs.   Invest in Renewable Energy One of the most effective strategies for protecting your business from rising energy costs is to invest in renewable energy. By opting for alternative energy sources like solar or wind, even partially, you can shield your business from the volatility of the traditional energy market.   Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Investing in renewable energy also helps reduce your business’s carbon footprint. Making eco-friendly changes not only benefits the environment but also enhances your brand’s image. As more consumers seek to support sustainable businesses, adopting green practices can attract environmentally conscious customers.   Make Smart Long-Term Energy Investments Preparing for changes in energy costs involves making smart, long-term investments in energy efficiency. Consider upgrading your lighting, heating, and cooling systems to more efficient models, investing in energy storage solutions, or implementing a demand-response strategy. These proactive investments will not only protect your business from future price hikes but also lower your overall business energy consumption.   Benefit from Government Incentives Many governments offer incentives for businesses transitioning to renewable or energy-efficient systems. For example, the Climate Change Levy, an environmental tax that is levied on the energy that a business consumes. It has been designed to incentivise companies to avoid using energy that results in carbon emissions. The more energy efficient a company is, the less tax they will need to pay. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can future-proof your business while saving money on energy costs in the long run.   Manage Your Business Energy Usage To effectively prepare for changes in business energy costs, track and manage your energy usage. Understanding your energy consumption patterns allows for smarter decisions. Implement energy-saving practices, like turning off unnecessary lights and equipment, and consider investing in smart meters or energy management systems. This gives you real-time control over your energy costs.   Educate Staff on Energy-Saving Practices Educating your employees on the importance of energy-saving practices is vital. By fostering a culture of energy efficiency within your business, you can ensure that everyone is working collaboratively toward reducing energy consumption.   Stay Informed and Be Prepared It’s essential to stay updated on energy market trends and potential changes. Monitor energy news and government policies that may impact energy costs. Being informed allows you to adapt your business strategies proactively.   Consider Switching Your Energy Supplier If you’re concerned about rising energy prices and inadequate support from your current energy supplier, consider contacting our energy experts at D-ENERGi to receive a free, no-obligation energy quote. Future-proof your business today! Check out our 100% green energy tariff sourced from UK wind farms and other fully renewable sources such as hydro and solar. Read our blog to find the answers to some common questions about switching business energy supplier.