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Back to the Bark Ages?
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Fuel Poverty - Is a Wood Burning Stove the Answer?
Writes Dan Drage dan.drage@consumerchoices.co.uk
Annual fuel bills are set to break the £1300 mark this winter, prompting many to turn back the clock in search of savings.
Families' household energy bills are set to rise above £1300 on average by the end of the year, as the price of gas on the wholesale market continues to climb, industry experts have warned.
Such a price rise would mean both gas and electricity bills have taken a 40% leap over the last six months.
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"Such a price rise would mean both gas and electricity bills have taken a 40% leap over the last six months"
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Last week, British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) increased the rates on its Market Tracker tariff, a deal that specifically mirrors the price of gas on the wholesale market. Industry insiders anticipate further increases over the coming months, including Mark Todd of EnergyHelpline:
"These are the first price rises of the summer, but unfortunately for us, they're unlikely to be the last"
He continues:
‘We expect 10 to 20% across the board price rises to be upon us by the end of August.’
Meanwhile, in a bid to sidestep these energy price hikes, many consumers are turning to the old fashioned heat generation method of wood burning stoves.
The Solid Fuel Association estimates sales of wood burning stoves have risen by 30% in the last 12 months alone, with environmental awareness high on the agenda of those who’ve made the switch.
Wood is said to be a carbon neutral fuel as the amount of carbon dioxide created when it is burnt is equal to the amount taken up by the tree as it grows.
From an economical perspective, a lorry-load of ready-cut wood costs £190 and can last the whole year.
Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at Credit Choices, has his doubts:
‘Wood is ostensibly a cheaper and more sustainable way of heating your home, but stoves are expensive and require a high amount of TLC’
He continues:
‘Can I see my London neighbours ditching their cosy central heating for wood burning stoves? Not a chance!’
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