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Energy costs


for looking after the business accounts and other administrative duties. She appreciates how an independent third- party energy broker could help her save time in the search for the most appropriate energy suppliers and save money on energy bills. However, not all energy brokers are


created equal and unfortunately, there are several operators who do not share the same customer care ethos or, the same high values as Utility Bidder as Sarah discovered, when she had a contract with a competitor. When a company changes hands or


changes its name, a ‘Change of Tenancy’ agreement must be completed with the energy supplier. This then terminates any current contract as it is no longer valid. The former energy broker approached Sarah and asked her to change the company name. Sarah was confused by this, however,


went ahead with the broker which allowed them to file for ‘Change of Tenancy’ as they were changing the company name. This then gave them the freedom to be able to enter the care home into another contract where the rates were extremely high.


Utility Bidder saves £9,000 Fortunately for Allendale, Utility Bidder approached them just in time to save


We have secured Sharda Care a new gas contract that has a £17,000 annual difference compared to their previous agreement


them from this very expensive contract. Our experts worked quickly to extricate them from the expensive contracts and then searched the market to find a more suitable rate for the care home. If Utility Bidder has not acted swiftly, the unscrupulous broker’s actions could have


Utility Bidder’s top five tips for saving energy in care homes


1. Heating is critical within elderly care homes. This starts with making sure you have an energy efficient boiler, modern modulating and condensing gas boilers can have efficiencies of 92-95 per cent and so will provide significant financial savings. Making sure heating is set to comfortable positions will also result in savings. If possible, have wall-mounted thermostats in each room so that settings can be adjusted in each area.


2. Smart meters are helpful and, if you do not have a smart meter, we advise having one fitted as soon as feasible after lockdown. This tracks the energy you use in real time and provides accurate readings and therefore payments, to your provider.


3. Lighting is expensive and so ensure you allow as much natural light into your building as possible – this means keeping windows and skylights cleaned. However, electricity costs can be reduced by investing in newer


technology lighting – CLFs use up to 30 per cent less power than a traditional incandescent lamp. Use light sensors in staff areas such as kitchens, offices and laundry.


4.Small appliances are likely found in many places. Staff and residents may be using numerous small appliances such as office equipment, televisions, radios, kettles, toasters etc. Implement a policy that states any new equipment should be the most energy efficient and that appliances should be switched off rather than left in standby mode.


5. Building fabric repairs should be done as soon as you become aware of them. An airtight building keeps the cold out and the heat in. Every month walk around the building both inside and out to look for areas that need attention in terms of repair and maintenance. Tackling small jobs early should prevent them from becoming a major expense.


December 2020 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


seen the home pay excessively high gas and electricity bills for two years. However, Utility Bidder has secured an annual saving of £9,000 for gas and electricity. The home is now on a suitable fixed


rate for the next few years. They have access to a personal account manager who they can contact if they have any worries or concerns and the Utility Bidder team will automatically speak to the home once their existing contract is up for renewal and search the market once more on their behalf.


Utility Bidder secures VAT rebate worth £13,000 Sharda Care operates the Victoria Care Centre in North London, which provides nursing care and accommodation for a maximum of 115 people. People using the service have a range of needs, most are older people, some of whom are living with dementia. A service is also provided to younger


adults and others who have varied needs including physical disabilities and/or mental health needs. It has been rated as good by the Care Quality Commission. Utility Bidder secured a £13,000 tax


rebate Sharda Care is frequently contacted by energy brokers that would like their business. However, the manager, Pradip Chandarana, was sceptical about the benefits of using a broker until he spoke to Utility Bidder. As a residential home, Sharda Care is


entitled to a reduced VAT rate on electricity consumption but Pradip was


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