Stonewoods, a leading fireplace and stove retailer based in London has responded to news that the UK will face a significant increase in energy prices over the next 20 years. With the news that the price of our electricity could double here in Britain during that time, it is most certainly raising a concern for homeowners and businesses who could find that these price hikes would also have a direct effect on gas prices too.
The National Grid places the blame of future cost increases of electricity on the high cost of subsidising wind farms across Britain and the high number of power stations powered by coal, that are being closed down. With the cost of electricity currently standing below £50 per megawatt hour at its wholesale value, within just 20 years, that price could double to around £100 or over by 2035.
Already, the UK has already seen a 20% rise in electricity prices since 2009 and in a document released by the National Grid, the reasons for the future price increases have been identified:
"Electricity prices for the high case and base case scenarios are assumed to increase over the next few years due to decreasing margins as coal-fired plants retire due to the Large Combustion Plants Directive [European anti-pollution] legislation and some gas-fired plants are mothballed," it explained.
Stonewoods, based in South West London, maintains a close ear to news that occurs within, and which is connected to the fireplace sector. A spokesperson for the company believes that the country should do more to promote greener energy, stating:
“As a large fireplace and stove retailer and stockist, we are concerned over the continual increase in gas and electricity prices within the UK. Not simply because it concerns our livelihood and our company’s future, but for the millions of homes that may not be able to afford these increases.”
“However with greener technologies coming closer to fruition, generating alternative fuel sources such as the emphasis on biofuels, wind and solar energy and the adaptation and increased efficiency of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves to produce cleaner, smoke free emissions, we believe there is much scope for the UK Government to step up their efforts to ensure all homes continue to receive heating and power supplies, at prices they can afford.”
Providing a wide and varied selection of fireplaces, fire surrounds and a comprehensive array of gas, dual fuel, electric and wood burning stoves, Stonewoods offer high quality products and expert customer assistance. Established back in 1982, they are recognised as being one of the leading fire and fireplace specialists with a huge showroom covering 10,000 sq. feet and are recognised within their industry as a leading supplier. Visit their website today at www.stonewoods.co.uk for more information.