The UK’s Energy Crisis Continues to Surge
Here’s How it’s Impacting the Care Sector
With the news of the energy price cap increasing further, it’s no surprise many of us are feeling the impact of the energy crisis as it continues to surge.
New data from the ONS has revealed a shocking number of adults are struggling to keep up with an increase in energy, utility and food prices - with 9 in 10 adults taking action to reduce their spending on food, fuel and utilities.
From financial worries experienced by care sector workers, to keeping up with the high energy costs of running a care home - just like many businesses and industries - the care sector is feeling the impacts of the rising cost of living and energy crisis.
With a new energy price cap released by Ofgem – gas and electricity bills are expected to increase on average by 80% in the winter months. However, care operators are experiencing the brunt of the energy crisis with their energy bills expecting to increase by at least 100%.
The worry to keep up with the energy crisis within the care sector is a trend that is expected to continue into the winter and beyond, unless there is help from the Government - according to new research from Lottie.
More care operators than ever before across the UK are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of gas and electricity bills.
With the worry of financial security as we approach the colder months, there's been a surge in care sector employees turning to Google for energy crisis support over the last year:
● 179% increase in online searches on Google for ‘extra financial help for carers’
● 22% increase in online searches for ‘financial support for carers’
● 20% increase in online searches for ‘care home energy bills’
Will Donnelly - Co-Founder of Later Living Marketplace Lottie - warns us of the impact of the rising cost of living will have on the care sector:
“It’s extremely concerning to see the ONS data release about the rising cost of living and energy crisis, and the impact this is having on everyone across the country, especially the older generations and the care sector.
With the future cost of energy uncertain at this moment, care operators are becoming increasingly concerned about their overall business costs, as we face a winter energy crisis. The rising cost of energy prices, as well as everyday essentials, will undoubtedly put extra pressure on homes, from maintaining the building’s interior and exterior, staffing, providing meals for residents and staff and organising activities - the cost of living crisis will impact all areas of the care operators’ business models.
It’s more important than ever before that the care sector is able to receive appropriate financial and practical support, as we face a rising cost of living for both care operators as a whole and those working within the care sector,” concludes Will Donnelly.
Here’s how care operators can reduce the impact of the energy crisis over the winter months
Provide practical support to employees
Social care workers are at the heart of the care sector, however, like many people across the country, care workers are feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise.
It’s important care operators are supporting their employees through what will be a difficult few months. From sharing practical, financial and wellbeing support - care sector leaders can help to support their employees through the cost of living crisis.
Focus on sustainability
From energy efficient appliances and lighting, to maintaining ideal room temperatures, taking the steps to become a greener business will also help to reduce your energy consumption and overall energy costs.
Energy efficient lighting helps lower electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions, all without reducing the quality of light in our homes. Whilst, Making the right choice on appliances can save you lots of money, and even lower your carbon footprint.
Keep up to date with building maintenance
Not only will staying on top of leaks improve the health and safety of your home - it will also reduce your water bills.
Stay alert for any signs of leaks: a dripping tap can waste the equivalent of half a bath of water a week. Installing a water tap can also help you to track your water usage and monitor any drips or leaks.
Check your building meter
Providing a regular meter reading means your bill will be based on accurate usage.
Most energy providers give you a wide choice of ways you can submit your meter readings – you can find this online. Aim to submit a meter reading every 3 months – this will allow the energy supplier to keep any estimated readings close to your actual usage and avoid any energy overestimation that may be included in your energy bills.
Search around for the best energy quote
Care homes are exempt from the energy price cap - so it’s important to do your research and find the best energy supplier rates for your care home.
Requesting several quotes from different energy suppliers can help you to find the best deal. You can now also request water tariffs on the open market too.
Complete an energy survey
An energy survey will help you to understand what utilities are most in demand and costly - as well as tracking any changes in energy consumption over seasonal periods.
Keeping on top of your energy usage can help you to see where you can avoid excessive consumption, reduce your carbon footprint and improve your sustainability.
