Ugandi Resto, operating in the heart of Otepää, has for years offered its guests a balanced experience of flavours and relaxation – with Nordic precision and the life-affirming lightness of the Mediterranean. Now, this philosophy of hospitality is enriched by one more important nuance: the possibility to charge electric cars.
We spoke with Siim Kalda, the manager of Ugandi Resto and Hotel, to find out why installing electric car chargers is a worthwhile investment from the company’s perspective.
Siim, you are active in both the restaurant and hotel sectors, and Enefit Volt chargers are available at both locations. Please introduce your companies in more detail.
Ugandi Resto is a casual dining restaurant in the heart of Otepää, known for good food, pleasant service and tasteful interiors. We have been part of Otepää’s story for over 23 years. Our cuisine combines Nordic flavours with the Mediterranean philosophy of cooking, offering visitors a diverse and balanced culinary experience.
At Ugandi Hotel, luxury, personal service and the unique atmosphere of Otepää come together. Our 14 exclusively designed rooms offer cosiness and tranquillity while ensuring maximum comfort for guests away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Why did you decide to install electric car chargers?
We want to offer our restaurant and hotel guests an experience that is as convenient and well-considered as possible. We see every day how the share of electric cars is growing, and we felt that providing a charging option was a natural step in creating added value.
We also had the technical precondition – there was available capacity in the existing electrical system, which we were able to use smartly for the chargers.
How did your partnership with Enefit begin?
We wanted to find a partner who shares our values of quality and would allow us to focus on our core activity – providing hospitality. Enefit stood out for its interest and willingness to engage in meaningful cooperation. The terms offered were favourable, and the partnership got off to a quick start.
The solution was set up in such a way that we provided the electricity capacity, while Enefit handled the entire service – from the installation of the charging stations to billing. Every month, we receive a consumption report, and the electricity costs are reimbursed according to the agreement.
As a result, we have managed to turn idle electricity capacity into a visible and useful added value for our guests. All parties are satisfied.
How did the entire process go, from ordering the service to the first user experiences?
Everything went smoothly up to the signing of the contract, but the installation was delayed – the start of work was pushed back from four months to seven, and getting the equipment fully operational took some time. This was mainly due to arranging the network connection, which in some cases can indeed take more time. Since then, the cooperation has proceeded smoothly and without any problems.
During the work process, it was clear that the team was professional and cooperative. Although the schedule shifted, communication was always proper and clear.
What changes have you noticed since the chargers were installed?
The chargers are a clear competitive advantage – customers driving electric cars automatically associate charging with a visit to us. We communicated early on that the chargers were coming, and many had been eagerly waiting for this opportunity.
The feedback has also been positive – customers are grateful and satisfied. Enefit’s customer service has also been praised, as support has been prompt and clear when needed.
Do you plan to expand the charging possibilities in the future?
If we see that the existing chargers are not sufficient to meet demand, we are definitely ready to expand. We want to keep up with the times and meet our guests’ expectations.
What would you recommend to other businesses considering the installation of a charging station?
At the moment, having a charging option is still a competitive advantage, but it will soon become a standard. We recommend acting sooner rather than later – that way, you’ll be one step ahead and able to offer a modern service.
Our experience shows that patience pays off. If the partner is reliable and the service is ultimately of high quality, then the occasional setback is just something to wait out. The result of the cooperation is satisfied guests – and that is what matters most.
If you would also like to offer charging solutions to your customers or have any other questions, we’d be happy to help. You can contact us by emailing arikliendid@enefit.ee, calling 777 2020, or leaving a consultation request on our website.
