The energy crisis

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Businesses are also to be helped through measures such as reducing business rates.

I doubt that will work on its own as in most cases, business rates are far less than the hike in energy costs.

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

I doubt that will happen as in most cases, business rates are far less than the hike in energy costs.

Charity premises also don’t pay business rates, yet they provide an essential service in our high streets and are facing the same steep rises in energy bills.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

I doubt that will work on its own as in most cases, business rates are far less than the hike in energy costs.

Never fear, Chancellor OB will go back to the drawing board and think of another cunning plan....

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

A solution has been put forward by the energy industry itself that the unit cost of gas and electricity could remain as it is, with the deficiency covered by a loan which will be paid back when costs fall back below that level.

Yes, debt is involved, but consumers pay it back when the market starts getting back to normal.

Businesses are also to be helped through measures such as reducing business rates.

Or, and hear me out on this, share the load between consumers and business?

When the market "gets back to normal", the energy suppliers make a bit less profit, and also (as well as consumers) pay back the Government, otherwise, it just seems that they never share any of the downsides, only take profits…

[jfman]

The fact the current PM stood up and said buying a new kettle could save £10 a year doesn’t fill me with confidence that the Government grasp the problem, and considering after a round of musical chairs it’ll be roughly the same people with the same ideology it’s hard to see how they address problems that will add up to thousands for households and tens of thousands for businesses.

[Jaymoss]

Originally Posted by jfman

The fact the current PM stood up and said buying a new kettle could save £10 a year doesn’t fill me with confidence that the Government grasp the problem, and considering after a round of musical chairs it’ll be roughly the same people with the same ideology it’s hard to see how they address problems that will add up to thousands for households and tens of thousands for businesses.

someone who has never really struggled will never understand what it is like to really struggle. I have struggled yet still survived relatively comfortably compared to others. We live in a world where there is enough wealth to feed and house everyone everywhere but we do not. We are a horrible species who in its current form does not deserve to survive

Agent Smith had it right when he said these words "You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus."

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by jfman

The fact the current PM stood up and said buying a new kettle could save £10 a year doesn’t fill me with confidence that the Government grasp the problem, and considering after a round of musical chairs it’ll be roughly the same people with the same ideology it’s hard to see how they address problems that will add up to thousands for households and tens of thousands for businesses.

I don't envy the creative team behind the Christmas John Lewis advert, if they decide to run one this year. Certainly a kettle can't feature.

[Taf]

Originally Posted by papa smurf

3chippies near me gone, it's all kebabs n pizza now.

It's happened here over the past few years. Outlets with huge mark-ups and poor quality (even those which are franchises of top brands).

---------- Post added at 17:07 ---------- Previous post was at 17:02 ----------

One of our local Chinese takeaways increased their prices for counter customers, but held off putting up prices for home delivery as people would be relying on 7-month-old menus.

But now when you call to order, you get a robot telling you that "All menu prices have increased. A 15% surcharge will be added to your final bill total. Please hold if you still wish to order".

[Jaymoss]

So Gazprom close Gas pipeline to Germany for maintenance and find an "oil leak" so it is closed indefinitely. Up goes the price of gas again and next years caps likely with it. Putin has us by the balls in his long game imo. Said it before we have to break the gas and electric tie

This is in the window of one of our local shops.

[Jaymoss]

suppliers really should be ashamed of themselves. Trying to exploit businesses this way

Another unforeseen impact of the Energy crisis - voluntary organisations are being hit heavily as well.

I am a member of our local War Memorial Association, and I received this email today - for context, the person undertaking the Secretary role is a 73 year old unpaid volunteer.

Dear Hugh,

David Pike – Channel to Mediterranean Bike Ride

Cost increases driven by the energy crisis and other inflationary pressures is jeopardizing the future of the AWMA. The next financial year will see our electricity costs increasing by 250% costing us around an extra £20,000 even after allowing for savings from converting the Hockey floodlights to LED. Most other costs will be increased by at least the rate of inflation (10-15%). We are working hard to reduce costs wherever possible. On the other hand with over 60% of our income coming from members by way of subscriptions and section donations we are very limited in the increases we can achieve. A very modest increase in the annual membership fees for adults of £3 (no increase for students, juniors and seniors) is recommended but we have had no option but to raise the section donations to balance the books.

3 years ago I raised about £4,000 from my Lands End to John O’Groats cycle ride and I am now hoping to raise at least £5,000 from my challenge in September cycling France from the Channel to the Mediterranean (Caen to Nice).

Cost savings will be critical for our survival and I believe installing solar panels will have a positive impact on electricity costs. As yet, despite approaching several sources, I have been unable to get any quotes or interest in our project. One of the main uses during the summer is for the cooling system for our beer cellar. It therefore stands to reason that the hotter and sunnier it is the higher the cost which could be minimised by having solar panels.

A link to my fundraising page follows:

https://app.investmycommunity.com/ca...energy-savings You made need to highlight and “Open hyperlink”

Additionally cash or cheques payable to AWMA Ltd (Gift Aid Forms are available where possible) can be given to any official or left behind the bar. Please attach some contact details unless anonymity is preferred.

I have donated £50 (£62.50 with Gift Aid).

[jfman]

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

suppliers really should be ashamed of themselves. Trying to exploit businesses this way

Don’t take your eye off the ball. The problem is the system, not the suppliers who are acting entirely rationally.

[Jaymoss]

Originally Posted by jfman

Don’t take your eye off the ball. The problem is the system, not the suppliers who are acting entirely rationally.

It is hardly rational to price a company out of business, unless they intend to do that to save energy for those paying less.

[jfman]

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

It is hardly rational to price a company out of business, unless they intend to do that to save energy for those paying less.

Unfortunately yes, charging the highest prices the market can bear (and there will be customers who can’t/won’t pay above that) is where unregulated capitalist markets go where there is no/limited competition.

While some customers leave the market (go out of business) this still gives the optimum return provided there are sufficient customers able/willing to pay.