Energy


fails to recognise the unique operational demands of a care environment. A care home consumes electricity


differently because demand remains high throughout the day and night. The home needs to provide heating, lighting, hot water, food preparation and medical support around the clock. Laundry systems may operate for long periods each day, while kitchens often work through breakfast, lunch, evening meals and snack provision. As a result, the timing of energy use


becomes extremely important. Historically, providers could choose from


relatively simple electricity tariffs such as: n Single rate tariffs n Day and night tariffs n Day, night and weekend tariffs


Under these traditional systems, electricity prices were lower overnight when national demand was reduced and more expensive during daytime peak periods. However, the market has changed significantly.


The introduction of time-of-day charging The UK electricity network is under increasing pressure. Demand for electricity


is rising rapidly due to several factors, including: n Growth in electric vehicles n Expansion of data centres n Increased reliance on electrical devices n Transition away from fossil fuels n Greater use of renewable energy systems


Unfortunately, parts of the UK electricity infrastructure are outdated and cannot always move electricity efficiently from where it is generated to where it is needed. This problem becomes particularly severe during weekday peak periods when national demand rises sharply. To address this issue the industry has


introduced more advanced time-of-day charging structures designed to encourage businesses to reduce consumption during periods of grid stress. These periods are commonly referred to


as: n Red periods – the most expensive times. n Amber periods – medium cost times. n Green periods – the cheapest times.


The exact timing of these charging periods varies depending on geographic location. Some areas experience around 10 expensive


Practical ways to reduce peak-time costs


Although reducing energy use in a care setting is challenging, there are still several practical strategies providers can consider. 1. Review laundry operations In-house laundries can be major electricity consumers. Providers may be able to reduce red-period usage by adjusting laundry schedules. For example, in areas with red periods of 4pm to 7.30pm Monday to Friday a laundry with regular hours of 9am to 5pm may be able to move to 8am to 4pm, avoiding heavy dryer use during peak hours. They could also benefit from reviewing equipment efficiency. Even small scheduling changes can produce measurable savings.


2. Manage electric vehicle charging As electric vehicle usage increases, charging can become a significant contributor to peak electricity demand. Where operationally possible, providers should consider restricting charging during red periods


3. Assess kitchen usage patterns Commercial kitchens consume


substantial electricity during food preparation periods. While the needs of people who live in the home must always remain the priority, some non-essential preparation tasks could potentially be shifted outside peak charging windows.


4. Improve energy monitoring Providers with half-hour data should regularly analyse consumption patterns. This can help identify: n Unexpected spikes n Equipment faults n Inefficient operating practices n Opportunities for demand reduction


5. Review equipment efficiency Older equipment often consumes significantly more electricity than modern alternatives. Areas worth reviewing include boilers, laundry equipment, lighting systems, refrigeration and ventilation systems. LED lighting and modern appliances may also provide long-term operational savings.


red hours per week, while others face as many as 32.5 hours. In many parts of the country, red periods


occur during weekday afternoons and evenings, often between approximately 4pm and 7pm. However, in London and some parts of Scotland, red periods may begin much earlier. For the care sector, this creates major


operational challenges because many of the busiest periods for energy use occur during these expensive times.


Why understanding red hours matters Understanding when expensive charging periods apply is now essential for providers seeking to control costs. Historically, many suppliers estimated


electricity usage patterns based primarily on annual consumption. However, modern pricing increasingly depends not just on how much electricity is used annually, but exactly when that electricity is consumed. Providers that consume large amounts


of energy during red periods may face substantially higher costs than providers with similar annual usage but different consumption patterns. This means that two care homes with


identical annual electricity consumption could receive very different quotations depending on their half-hour usage profile. Activities that may increase red-period


usage include: n Operating in-house electric laundries n Charging electric vehicles n Heavy kitchen usage during peak periods n Electric heating systems n Lack of mains gas supply n Older inefficient equipment


Understanding these patterns allows providers to identify opportunities for operational changes without compromising resident care.


July 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 31


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