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There are around 17,000 care homes in the UK and they all need a reliable supply of energy. However, care home energy concerns can get in the way of proper care provision, especially with public spending declining regularly. The challenges facing care homes span far and wide, especially in the case of non-profit and NHS-run organisations.  In this piece, we’re going to focus on the concerns surrounding energy when running a care home, expanding on why they’re so relevant and offering some insight into how they might be solved.    Fixed budgets Having a limited budget is a widespread concern, especially in council-run care homes. Countless different elements contribute to care home energy costs, making it hard for smaller operations to keep up with bills. Alongside energy bills, care homes also have to pay for:    Staffing different departments Food for residents and staff Building mortgages/rent Any entertainment elements (TV packages/streaming services) Rare & regular care home maintenance jobs   Keeping up with all of these costs, alongside energy bills, can be challenging with a smaller budget. Having to prioritise certain elements over others is a painful process that will ultimately have a negative impact on the residents.    Comfort & climate The elderly residents of care homes are far more vulnerable to low temperatures, which can drive up energy bills considerably. Running a care home requires warmth, and with heating bills impacting everyone in the country, the crisis is particularly impactful on these operations.    Maintaining quality of care As touched upon above, running a care home involves a lot of moving parts, which is why energy bills amid the crisis can make it a lot harder to maintain a certain standard of care. Being under financial instability makes it harder for care homes to operate in general, which in turn can discourage people from choosing specific homes, contributing to a cycle of financial strife.    Tips for combatting rising care home energy costs With energy costs so high, it’s important to understand how to become more efficient when running a care home. This will make it easier to manage the bills and ensure high level of care quality.    Invest in better insulation for the property – it will cost money in the short term but save on the amount of heating required in the long run  Use smart technology such as smart LED lightbulbs, thermostatic radiator valves and smart thermostats to minimise unnecessary consumption Generally installing more energy efficient appliances and technologies, such as kettles (sure to see a lot of action in a care home!) Switch to a greener energy source such as solar or wind power – these renewable sources are generally cheaper and more efficient    If you’re facing challenges with a care home energy budget, it could be time to switch tariffs to a different provider. By choosing a business energy provider like D-ENERGi, you could find a more sustainable, more competitive priced alternative to your current provision. Check out our site for more information and keep caring!  Talk to our experts today for competitive business energy quotes today!

As a small business, keeping your head above water in terms of finances can be quite a task, especially in the early stages of development. With half of all new businesses ending within the first three years, smaller enterprises must do whatever they can to reduce overheads within reason. Simultaneously, sustainability is more important to UK consumers than ever before. With both these facts in mind, small business energy efficiency is something that all operators should be mindful of. This guide will offer some valuable insights into how to be energy efficient as a small business, whether transforming an office or warehouse space. Benefits of energy efficiency for small business operations If you’re on the fence about whether to implement a small business energy efficiency program, it’s important to consider the benefits it could have on your operation. Cost savings: Being energy efficient is directly related to saving costs on gas and electric bills. Increased sustainability: Beyond doing good for the planet, increasing sustainability is also a great way to enhance brand reputation. Eligibility for grants: There are several energy efficiency grants for small businesses, allowing for refurbished technology at discounted rates.   How to achieve small business energy efficiency Conducting energy audits/mindful observation Having a professional audit done is a great way to identify your strengths and weaknesses in terms of energy efficiency, such as: Draughts/air leaks Insulation issues Outdated lighting Faulty HVAC systems In terms of increased mindfulness, tools like Smart Meters are a great way to better observe your energy consumption, allowing you to make strategic decisions in real-time. Lighting adjustments The most obvious lighting adjustment is to replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting, known to use up to 75% less energy. Another system for increasing efficiency is time/movement-sensitive lighting sensors, ensuring only occupied rooms are being lit during working hours. Finally, simply embracing natural light when and wherever possible can enhance efficiency. Using renewable energy Renewable energy is known for having a better return on investment (ROI) than energy derived from fossil fuels, while also often having a much lower emissions profile. For example, wind energy can be 100% renewable and produce no emissions, while offering a cheap and effective alternative to fossil fuels. Business owners can also generate their energy if they invest in built-in turbines or solar panels. Choosing a new business energy supplier Finding the right supplier could be crucial for small business energy efficiency in financial terms. With a better tariff and price point, you could easily get more for your money, enhancing your energy efficiency. To request competitive energy prices and potentially find a new business supplier, visit our website today. We’re committed to keeping business owners and management in the know when it comes to efficiency and getting the most for their money.  

When running a business, you’re constantly thinking about your outgoings. This means it’s important to guarantee that none of your expenditure is going to waste – a big part of this is ensuring that your workplace is powered by the best energy deals possible. This blog will explore how to switch energy providers to secure a better rate, offering tips on how to choose among the options for your best possible outcome.   Compare energy prices using comparison websites One of the easiest ways to compare business energy suppliers is by using online comparison tools and websites. These sites are designed to compile a wide range of options, offering insights into their prices and offerings, allowing consumers to choose the provider that best fits their needs. Our advice would be to use them for research before going to your preferred provider directly – this can sometimes result in getting an even better deal or bypassing any unexpected costs. Also, pay mind to independent suppliers like D-ENERGi, as they might not appear on the comparison sites.   Explore renewable energy sources Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers and society as a whole, while renewable energy like wind is often cheaper than traditional fuel sources. This makes going renewable a savvy business decision twice over, helping to lower energy bills and enhance your standing with potential customers.   Read customer reviews and ratings Sites like TrustPilot are a great resource for finding the best energy supplier. By sifting through customer reviews and client ratings, you can easily identify the traits you want from a good business energy provider.   Negotiate with your current business energy supplier Many think that energy bills are set in stone, however, more often than not suppliers are open to negotiation. If you’ve found a better rate, bring it to your current energy provider and let them know you’re willing to make the switch. It’s a win-win for your business as if they comply, you’ve saved making the change and if not you’re going to change anyway.   Finding the best business energy deals isn’t all about price Remember, the lowest business energy quotes aren’t necessarily going to be right for your company. Consider things like fixed-term contracts and the specific needs of your business before jumping into a new contract guns blazing. This specificity will ensure you get the right provision for the right price.   For more insights into the energy industry, visit our blog today.   Reach out to our friendly experts for a better rate. Our Price Matching team will match your renewal price to ensure you always get the best rates in the energy market.

Business energy bills are a huge part of the outgoings of any business, costing thousands of pounds even for microbusinesses. On top of that, the demand for electricity alone increases by an average of 36% on winter days compared to summer. With this in mind, it’s important that businesses understand how to save energy throughout the colder months of the year. Beyond choosing the best business electricity supplier, there are plenty of energy saving tips that can be employed to reduce energy bills this winter. This blog will outline some of the most straightforward, intuitive ways, so you can enjoy the benefits of savings.   Lowering/programming the thermostat Reducing the temperature even by a couple of degrees can make a big difference to an energy bill. Wearing extra layers and warmer clothes has the potential to save you a significant amount on your bill. Alternatively, some thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperatures based on schedules and occupancy, to minimise heat wastage.   Encourage remote working If possible in the context of your business, winter is the best time to encourage remote working. By doing so, you can minimise the amount of energy used in the office throughout the season. The vast majority of global employees have a positive view of this practice, which means it can be an attractive option for them rather than having to journey through the cold to work.   Insulating your workplace Insulation is vital. While it might not be plausible to do full-blown structural insulation work, there are plenty of inexpensive DIY options that can make a difference when trying to retain heat and save energy. Some easy techniques include: Using a window film Installing heavier curtains and blinds then keeping them shut Foam and polystyrene insulation boards Placing draught excluders at the bottom of doors   These simple techniques can help you to stay under the average winter energy bill.   Audits & maintenance Making sure that all appliances are running properly is essential to ensuring your winter energy payment isn’t unnecessarily inflated. HVAC systems, taps and cooking equipment can all eat through energy when running even a little behind their best. Regularly check on appliances, clean them and book in/perform maintenance to ensure they’re all in their best possible form. Another easy thing to do is ensure that no unnecessary outlets are on when you’re out of the office.   Don’t let winter freeze you out Small businesses alike need to make efforts to save energy, otherwise they could bear the brunt of unrealistic costs. Beyond these tips, it’s also worth investing in energy-efficient technology and even applying for winter energy support if possible. Either way, the right techniques can keep your property in action, even in the coldest months. Check out our blog for more insights into energy consumption. Contact our friendly team for a quick quote to lower your business energy bills this Winter.

Understanding the average energy consumption of a small business is essential for effective budgeting and forecasting energy costs. By knowing these figures, small businesses can better manage their energy costs. While energy usage can vary based on the size and type of business, our latest blog delves into the specifics of energy consumption for small businesses, including electricity and gas usage. What is Considered a Small Business? In the UK, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are defined as businesses with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than £50 million. Specifically, a small business has fewer than 50 employees and a turnover of under £10 million, while a micro business employs fewer than 10 people and has a turnover of less than £2 million. On average, small businesses in the UK consume between 15,000 kWh and 30,000 kWh of gas annually, and between 15,000 kWh and 25,000 kWh of electricity annually.   Industry Variations in Energy Consumption The amount of energy consumed can significantly differ by industry. For example, businesses in manufacturing typically use more energy compared to those in other sectors. High energy-consuming industries also include construction and agriculture. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that the service sector—encompassing small businesses like retail stores and restaurants—experienced a 6% decrease in energy consumption from 2019 to 2020. This shift may reflect a growing awareness of zero-carbon energy and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Many service-based small businesses have adopted measures to lower their energy usage, contributing to reduced annual consumption.   How to Monitor Your Business Energy Consumption If you’re concerned that your business energy usage exceeds the average for your sector, it may be time to consider installing a smart meter. Smart meters aren’t just for domestic homes! A smart meter allows you to monitor your energy usage effectively. It provides real-time data, enabling you to manage your consumption more efficiently. Additionally, all readings are automatically sent to your business energy supplier, eliminating the need for manual meter readings. This ensures more accurate billing and helps avoid overestimations. If you’re interested in learning more about smart meters, don’t hesitate to contact our team!   What to Do If Your Business Energy Consumption is Too High If you have a smart meter installed and notice that your energy consumption is higher than expected, consider the following tips to reduce usage: Inspect Your Equipment: Evaluate your business equipment and upgrade to more cost-effective equipment if necessary. Power Down: Turn off electrical equipment when not in use, including lighting and heating, which can significantly impact your energy bills. Regulate Temperature: Set a comfortable temperature on your thermostat and maintain it consistently. Promote Energy Awareness: Foster an energy-saving culture among your employees.    For other great tips on lowering your small business energy consumption, check out our blogs! Contact our friendly team for a quick quote to lower your business energy bills.

Integrating sustainable strategies into your business is something companies across the UK are placing greater emphasis on in recent years. The emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives is more pronounced than ever. For businesses, understanding the nexus of ESG and energy is vital for a variety of reasons. These include building trust amongst stakeholders and consumers, and the environmental benefits. In this blog post, we will be delving into the world of ESG and energy, by discussing ways your business can integrate sustainability and become more energy efficient in the process.   Understanding ESG ESG is a set of standards that measure your business’ impact on society and the planet. Below we will break down the three central components of ESG. Environmental – this refers to all factors that may have an impact on the environment. Most notably, energy use, waste, and pollution. Your EPC rating will be taken into account here. Social – This is where your company’s social impact will come into play. How you treat your employees and how you contribute to local communities will be taken into account when evaluating your business under ESG criteria. Governance – This refers to how a company is run, factors like the transparency of a company and how the business holds accountability are considered under governance.   Why ESG is important for businesses ESG principles have become fundamental criteria for assessing a business’ sustainability and overall success. ESG is not just about complying with regulations, businesses that have good ESG practices gain a competitive edge too. Due to consumer demand for transparency and socially conscious investors, ESG has become vital for companies across the UK. ESG can effectively enhance a company’s reputation, and increase the appeal for potential investors. Another reason highlighting the importance of ESG is that it can help identify opportunities for growth and innovation within a company. For example, having the tools to measure your companies energy performance can help your company become more sustainable with energy usage, which could boost your EPC rating.   How to integrate sustainability practices into your strategy The first step in making a sustainable change by integrating ESG into your strategy is by understanding where your company currently is with energy consumption. Conducting an energy audit will help you identify areas for improvement and where your company can improve efficiency and sustainability. An energy audit involves analysing energy usage, assessing equipment and evaluating operational practices. If you’re looking into integrating sustainable strategies into your business, why not start by exploring our 100% UK Wind Power? Please contact our team to learn more.