Energy costs


Seeing the light over savings on energy bills


Mo Lambat, national partnership manager at Corby-based business energy consultants Utility Bidder, explains how care homes can save money on energy bills at a time of financial uncertainty


Social care has long been the poor relation in the health service with successive governments failing to tackle a sector in crisis - however, the Covid-19 pandemic has placed the spotlight firmly on what is essentially a national disgrace. All sectors have been hard hit by the


virus, however, the care home sector has been the subject of media coverage, for all the wrong reasons. In addition, it has been reported that the financial pressures now facing care homes, could see up to a tenth of them fold. Therefore, cutting costs as much as


possible will be key factors in the long- term survival of any business. According to data by Oscar Research, there are almost 22,000 care homes in the UK. Covid-19 could prove to be a


significant turning point for the sector. Even prior to the pandemic the sector has been consistently under-funded and yet faced pressure to look after the needs of a growing customer base. Add the struggle to find suitable staff, PPE and fears about rising costs and the sustainability of their service, and it is no wonder care homes are concerned about their future. Utility Bidder work with numerous care


homes large and small and we want to help our clients emerge from the coronavirus outbreak as financially viable as possible. Despite the many problems, Utility Bidder have been blown away not just at the resilience demonstrated by our many care home customers, but also by their kindness and compassion as


they continue to support our most vulnerable people. We have worked with the care industry


since starting our business in 2009. This has given us great insight into the way energy is used within your care home as well as appreciating the many hurdles owners and managers have to face. We know you do not have time to


search the market or negotiate gas and electricity contracts – but we have it covered. On average, a 20-bed nursing home


uses a total of 395,000 kilowatt-hours, which is the equivalent of 18 small/medium UK houses. With so many other concerns right now, paying your utility bills should not be one of them. Utility Bidder works with so many care homes of all sizes, we are well aware of how important it is to reduce the cost of your energy bills during this period of uncertainty. Now is the perfect time to switch your


gas and electricity for your care home. Energy prices are low – switching now to lock in these low prices will help you to benefit from great rates when life and business gets back to normal. Many care homes will have a lot to


think about right now, so let Utility Bidder take the strain. We will do all the hard work to find the best deal on gas and electricity pricing for your business. Furthermore, press reports suggest


that utility companies could be reluctant to sign up new customers. Our experts will act on your behalf to get you the best deal with the right provider.


On average, a 20-bed nursing home uses a total of 395,000 kilowatt- hours, which is the equivalent of 18 small/medium UK houses


44


Saving energy will not reduce your bills


but also your carbon footprint, which is good for your business, the local area and the planet. We can help save money on your energy bills but there are other ways you can look to make your business greener and kinder. Switching your energy supplier with


Utility Bidder could save you up to 40 per cent on your utilities - but you should also take control of the energy consumption in your business.


Residential home targeted by unscrupulous broker Allendale is a family run care home situated in Greater Manchester. The home provides personal care for up to 24 older and young people and people living with dementia. It has 16 single rooms and four shared rooms and people have access to a large range of activities both in and away from the home. The Care Quality Commission rates the home as good. The business has been operating for


over 30 years and is owned by Karen Warwick and managed by her daughter Sarah Chadwick. Sarah has responsibility


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com• December 2020


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