Drax to supply free energy to 170 care homes

Energy company Drax Group will give 170 UK care homes free power during the coronavirus crisis.

The care homes are all local Drax’s eight power plants and are already supplied by Opus Energy and Haven Power – both part of Drax Group. Each care home will soon receive a letter informing them that their bills have been cancelled.

As well as this initiative, Drax is also donating £150,000 to the Money Advice Trust’s Business Debtline, a national charity helping SMEs facing financial hardship.

Drax has previously announced they will reduce or defer payment plans for business customers adversely impacted by the lockdown, and energy rates being frozen for three months for those coming to the end of their contracts and rolling onto a monthly plan.

Drax Group CEO, Will Gardiner said: ‘We’re working hard to offer more support to our customers and communities during this crisis.

‘Care homes are critically important – they do incredible work looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we know this pandemic is putting them under immense pressure. As a gesture of appreciation for the excellent work these businesses are doing, we’re cancelling their energy bills for a couple of months.’

‘We know a lot of businesses are having a tough time, as the lockdown is having a major impact on many different sectors, so we’ve donated £150,000 to the Money Advice Trust’s Business Debtline. This will help to ensure those businesses who may be struggling to pay their bills can access the advice and support they need.’