Facilities facing budgetary obstacles urged to consider cogeneration for efficiencies, energy cost savings
According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, senior living facilities fell to all-time low occupancies in the final quarter of 2020 with further decline expected in 2021. With dwindling residencies and, in turn revenues, facilities may have to make difficult budgetary decisions in the near future. Now, more than ever, Dalkia Aegis, EDF Group urges facilities professionals to consider energy cost-saving measures to maintain adequate staffing and quality of care, suggesting the option of cogeneration, also known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP).
“Senior homes are a market we can always assist greatly, but especially during this time of need,” said President Lee Vardakas. “Our energy-efficient equipment provides a path toward lower energy bills for these facilities.”
CHP systems create heat and electricity simultaneously from natural gas. Unlike traditional power plants, CHP systems capture “waste” heat and harness it back into a building as domestic hot water, heating and cooling. By utilizing this heat, operational efficiency for a facility using CHP increases from 30 percent to 85 percent.
“Energy efficiency could be the way forward for struggling facilities,” said Vardakas. “And for customers concerned about the expense, there are state and federal grant programs available to defer costs. We also offer a shared savings program which allows for a CHP system installation without any capital investment or operating expenses.”
In addition to cost savings, many senior living facilities choose to install CHP systems because of their reliability. Operating independent from the grid, CHP allows critical medical equipment to remain operational, even during a power outage.
