Electric Savings for Residents
Electricity savings for retirement residents
In 2012, communal electricity bills at Ashurst were incredibly high, in excess of £6,000-a-year. These costs were being paid for, by the residents, through monthly service charges. It became clear that the lighting in the communal corridors was the main source of expenditure. The traditional bulbs were costly to run, with much of their energy outlay being heat rather than light. The bulbs would become so hot that temperatures on the top floor surpassed 90 degrees in the summer months resulting in real discomfort for residents.
Finding a solution
Resident Scheme Manager, Gail Forrest, worked with lighting contractors DH Group to find a solution. A programme to change all the corridor lights to LED illumination was agreed. Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and much cheaper than traditional bulbs, the system also included a motion-sensor. Thus eliminating the need for lights to be constantly on and in turn drastically cutting down heat output.
Due to the substantial cost of the project, Gail and the residents agreed to a five-year programme of work allowing the costs to be spread out in a more manageable way. DH Group, the contractor, prioritised the top floor working downwards and completed the project in 2017.
The corridors are now much cooler, and more energy efficient. As a result, residents have benefitted from a 90% reduction in their communal electricity bill, with costs falling from £6,100 in 2012 to £815 in September 2017. This is a saving of over £180 per year, per resident – a very significant saving for the retirees within the development. With the substantial increase in energy prices in 2022, this project continues to prove its worth.
This is one of many similar projects undertaken each year by Grange Property Management for our customers.
